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Pat' off season and next year (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter PMENFAN
- Start date
I'm thinking he's the first young attitude to come to them. Dillon was a vet some thought might be "on his last legs" so he needed to "buck up" to keep his career going.I know it's an "easy out", but if it doesn't bother the Patriots, it doesn't bother me.I never thought Corey Dillon would be a Patriot either, much less a GREAT one.
Exile
Footballguy
Yeah, that's a good distinction. Still, you know the Patriots have done due dilligence on him if they are pursuing him this far.I'm thinking he's the first young attitude to come to them. Dillon was a vet some thought might be "on his last legs" so he needed to "buck up" to keep his career going.I know it's an "easy out", but if it doesn't bother the Patriots, it doesn't bother me.
I don't know. The Pack let the word out and Walker has been doing a last minute set of meetings with team trainers. He was going to meet with NE and then to meet with the Philly docs this morning. Thompson might have played this perfectly announcing his intentions last minute and not giving teams time to "investigate".OK that's enough negative for me, it's the Pats and they know what they're doing....gotta stay positive. We've got a VERY talented WR. IMO Deion Branch could be real hard to stop if he's got someone to play off of like Walker. And if Watson improves as expected we've got some good matchup problems in our favor.Yeah, that's a good distinction. Still, you know the Patriots have done due dilligence on him if they are pursuing him this far.I'm thinking he's the first young attitude to come to them. Dillon was a vet some thought might be "on his last legs" so he needed to "buck up" to keep his career going.I know it's an "easy out", but if it doesn't bother the Patriots, it doesn't bother me.
Exile
Footballguy
Heh heh. Fair enough. Might all be moot anyway as there is now a rumor saying the Pack has traded Walker to the Saints as part of a package to move up to #2. Here.I don't know. The Pack let the word out and Walker has been doing a last minute set of meetings with team trainers. He was going to meet with NE and then to meet with the Philly docs this morning. Thompson might have played this perfectly announcing his intentions last minute and not giving teams time to "investigate".OK that's enough negative for me, it's the Pats and they know what they're doing....gotta stay positive. We've got a VERY talented WR. IMO Deion Branch could be real hard to stop if he's got someone to play off of like Walker. And if Watson improves as expected we've got some good matchup problems in our favor.Yeah, that's a good distinction. Still, you know the Patriots have done due dilligence on him if they are pursuing him this far.I'm thinking he's the first young attitude to come to them. Dillon was a vet some thought might be "on his last legs" so he needed to "buck up" to keep his career going.I know it's an "easy out", but if it doesn't bother the Patriots, it doesn't bother me.
nerangers
Footballguy
nerangers
Footballguy
Hi Guys,
Nice article about the Draft....just going to post the whole thing and the whole Patriots Draft
4/30/06 - PATRIOTS DRAFT BOARD
1 21 Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
2 4 Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
3 22 David Thomas, TE, Texas
4 9 Garrett Mills, TE/FB, Tulsa
4 21 Stephen Gostkowksi, K, Memphis
5 3 Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, California
6 22 Jeremy Mincey, DE, Florida
6 36 Dan Stevenson, OG, Notre Dame
6 37 Le Kevin Smith, DT, Nebraska
7 21 Willie Andrews, S, Baylor
Patriots still need some defensive depth Tom Casale, Patriots Football Weekly
The Patriots loaded up on offense in this draft but they still have some concerns on defense, especially at the linebacker position. However, the team is a lot better now than they were before the draft started.
The Patriots entered the NFL draft this weekend with needs at several different positions. New England decided to draft offense early and often, so they helped solidify most of their holes on that side of the ball but they didn’t address the defense until the later rounds.
The Patriots needed some youth at running back and filled that void by drafting Laurence Maroney from Minnesota. The team then did a masterful job of drafting when they traded up in the second round to select receiver Chad Jackson – a guy they almost took with the 21st selection – to help plug the hole they had at receiver. With their first two picks, the Patriots got players with top twenty talent who should contribute on offense for years to come.
With Christian Fauria signing with the Washington Redskins, the team needed a third tight end. They selected David Thomas – a great pass catching tight end - out of Texas to give Tom Brady another option in the middle of the field but they didn’t stop there. With the next pick, the Patriots took H-back Garrett Mills out of Tulsa. Mills played tight end in college but was listed as a fullback coming into the draft. He really is an H-back type player like the Redskins Chris Cooley. Expect the Patriots to move Mills all around and take advantage of his versatility. Mills is also an excellent special teams player and that surely factored into the Patriots decision to draft him.
The Patriots also added depth along their offensive line when they selected California OT/G Ryan O’ Callaghan in the fifth round and Notre Dame guard Dan Stevenson with one of their three sixth round picks.
After the Patriots stocked up on offensive weapons, they addressed the kicker position when they selected Memphis’ Stephen Gostkowski in the fourth-round. Gostkowski was clearly the top rated kicker on the Patriots board, so they were willing to use a pretty high draft pick on him. With Gostkowski’s strong leg, he should really push Martin Gramatica for the starting job in training camp.
While the Patriots did an excellent job filling holes on offense and special teams, they did little to upgrade their defense. Linebacker, defensive back and nose tackle were all areas of concern heading into the draft, and only nose tackle - late in the sixth round - was solidified by the Patriots.
The Patriots draft purely on value – not need – so there is a possibility the team would have addressed these areas if the draft had gone differently. However, since they spent most of their picks on offense, the Patriots still have some holes that need to be filled on the defensive side of the ball.
New England already signed a number of defensive backs this offseason, so that isn’t a huge concern, especially if Rodney Harrison comes back earlier than expected. The team selected Baylor S/CB Willie Andrews with their last pick but he’ll have to battle just to make the final roster. The one thing the Patriots don’t have is a true No. 1 cornerback. However, it’s been reported that the team has had discussions with former Patriot Ty Law about returning to New England. If Law comes back, the Patriots secondary will be loaded headed into the upcoming season.
The Patriots did add depth at nose tackle when they selected LeKevin Smith out of Nebraska. The big 300-pounder has experience playing nose in the 3-4 defense and should be a solid backup to Vince Wilfork.
Not selecting a linebacker in the first four rounds was probably the biggest surprise regarding the Patriots draft. With the loss of Willie McGinest and the starting linebackers all getting up there in age, most people thought the Patriots would look to get younger at that position in this draft. As usual when it comes to a Patriots draft, most people were wrong.
Jeremy Mincey out of Florida was selected in the sixth round and there’s a chance he could play linebacker. He’s 6-0, 263 and a good athlete but Mincey probably won’t contribute much as a rookie.
The bottom line is the Patriots linebacking corps is pretty much the same now as it was before the draft started. One name to look watch out for is former Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks. Brooks was considered a top prospect going into his junior year but a subpar, injury-riddled season hurt his draft stock. He’s since been kicked off the Cavalier football team and is expected to enter the supplemental draft in July. Brooks played for Al Groh at Virginia – who runs a 3-4 defense similar to the Patriots - so there’s a possibility he’ll end up in New England.
The Patriots still have some holes to fill, especially at the linebacker position but it’s hard to argue with the talent the team added in this draft. If New England can bring back Law and maybe sign one more linebacker, they will enter the 2006 with no weaknesses. Even if they don’t, the Patriots have done enough this offseason to be in position to compete for another Super Bowl title. That’s what happens when a team knows how to use the free agency process and manage the draft. They stay on top for a long time and it appears the Patriots took another step closer to doing that this weekend.
Nice article about the Draft....just going to post the whole thing and the whole Patriots Draft
4/30/06 - PATRIOTS DRAFT BOARD
1 21 Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
2 4 Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
3 22 David Thomas, TE, Texas
4 9 Garrett Mills, TE/FB, Tulsa
4 21 Stephen Gostkowksi, K, Memphis
5 3 Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, California
6 22 Jeremy Mincey, DE, Florida
6 36 Dan Stevenson, OG, Notre Dame
6 37 Le Kevin Smith, DT, Nebraska
7 21 Willie Andrews, S, Baylor
Patriots still need some defensive depth Tom Casale, Patriots Football Weekly
The Patriots loaded up on offense in this draft but they still have some concerns on defense, especially at the linebacker position. However, the team is a lot better now than they were before the draft started.
The Patriots entered the NFL draft this weekend with needs at several different positions. New England decided to draft offense early and often, so they helped solidify most of their holes on that side of the ball but they didn’t address the defense until the later rounds.
The Patriots needed some youth at running back and filled that void by drafting Laurence Maroney from Minnesota. The team then did a masterful job of drafting when they traded up in the second round to select receiver Chad Jackson – a guy they almost took with the 21st selection – to help plug the hole they had at receiver. With their first two picks, the Patriots got players with top twenty talent who should contribute on offense for years to come.
With Christian Fauria signing with the Washington Redskins, the team needed a third tight end. They selected David Thomas – a great pass catching tight end - out of Texas to give Tom Brady another option in the middle of the field but they didn’t stop there. With the next pick, the Patriots took H-back Garrett Mills out of Tulsa. Mills played tight end in college but was listed as a fullback coming into the draft. He really is an H-back type player like the Redskins Chris Cooley. Expect the Patriots to move Mills all around and take advantage of his versatility. Mills is also an excellent special teams player and that surely factored into the Patriots decision to draft him.
The Patriots also added depth along their offensive line when they selected California OT/G Ryan O’ Callaghan in the fifth round and Notre Dame guard Dan Stevenson with one of their three sixth round picks.
After the Patriots stocked up on offensive weapons, they addressed the kicker position when they selected Memphis’ Stephen Gostkowski in the fourth-round. Gostkowski was clearly the top rated kicker on the Patriots board, so they were willing to use a pretty high draft pick on him. With Gostkowski’s strong leg, he should really push Martin Gramatica for the starting job in training camp.
While the Patriots did an excellent job filling holes on offense and special teams, they did little to upgrade their defense. Linebacker, defensive back and nose tackle were all areas of concern heading into the draft, and only nose tackle - late in the sixth round - was solidified by the Patriots.
The Patriots draft purely on value – not need – so there is a possibility the team would have addressed these areas if the draft had gone differently. However, since they spent most of their picks on offense, the Patriots still have some holes that need to be filled on the defensive side of the ball.
New England already signed a number of defensive backs this offseason, so that isn’t a huge concern, especially if Rodney Harrison comes back earlier than expected. The team selected Baylor S/CB Willie Andrews with their last pick but he’ll have to battle just to make the final roster. The one thing the Patriots don’t have is a true No. 1 cornerback. However, it’s been reported that the team has had discussions with former Patriot Ty Law about returning to New England. If Law comes back, the Patriots secondary will be loaded headed into the upcoming season.
The Patriots did add depth at nose tackle when they selected LeKevin Smith out of Nebraska. The big 300-pounder has experience playing nose in the 3-4 defense and should be a solid backup to Vince Wilfork.
Not selecting a linebacker in the first four rounds was probably the biggest surprise regarding the Patriots draft. With the loss of Willie McGinest and the starting linebackers all getting up there in age, most people thought the Patriots would look to get younger at that position in this draft. As usual when it comes to a Patriots draft, most people were wrong.
Jeremy Mincey out of Florida was selected in the sixth round and there’s a chance he could play linebacker. He’s 6-0, 263 and a good athlete but Mincey probably won’t contribute much as a rookie.
The bottom line is the Patriots linebacking corps is pretty much the same now as it was before the draft started. One name to look watch out for is former Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks. Brooks was considered a top prospect going into his junior year but a subpar, injury-riddled season hurt his draft stock. He’s since been kicked off the Cavalier football team and is expected to enter the supplemental draft in July. Brooks played for Al Groh at Virginia – who runs a 3-4 defense similar to the Patriots - so there’s a possibility he’ll end up in New England.
The Patriots still have some holes to fill, especially at the linebacker position but it’s hard to argue with the talent the team added in this draft. If New England can bring back Law and maybe sign one more linebacker, they will enter the 2006 with no weaknesses. Even if they don’t, the Patriots have done enough this offseason to be in position to compete for another Super Bowl title. That’s what happens when a team knows how to use the free agency process and manage the draft. They stay on top for a long time and it appears the Patriots took another step closer to doing that this weekend.
Last edited by a moderator:
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Team signs UDFA F. Roach
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 18:17:17 -0700
The Times Daily reports undrafted rookie free agent LB Freddie Roach (Alabama) has signed an undisclosed contract with the New England Patriots.
Strengths:
Has good size and a solid frame...Big hitter who can lay the lumber...Has great instincts...A force against the run...Makes a lot of plays behind the line...Sheds blocks and works through traffic well...Is very strong...Versatile and has played both outside and middle linebacker...A hard worker and leader with premier intangibles...Has a ton of starting experience against top competition in the SEC.
Weaknesses:
Does not have the timed speed you look for...Struggles in coverage and his range is limited...Is not a great natural athlete...Has dealt with some injuries in the past and durability is a concern...Never put up eye-popping numbers statistically during his career...Probably has a limited pro upside due to his physical shortcomings.
Notes:
Excellent college player who lacks the physical tools needed to be considered much more than a two-down player at the next level...The type of role player all good teams have...Could carve a niche for himself as a backup & special teamer.
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 18:17:17 -0700
The Times Daily reports undrafted rookie free agent LB Freddie Roach (Alabama) has signed an undisclosed contract with the New England Patriots.
Strengths:
Has good size and a solid frame...Big hitter who can lay the lumber...Has great instincts...A force against the run...Makes a lot of plays behind the line...Sheds blocks and works through traffic well...Is very strong...Versatile and has played both outside and middle linebacker...A hard worker and leader with premier intangibles...Has a ton of starting experience against top competition in the SEC.
Weaknesses:
Does not have the timed speed you look for...Struggles in coverage and his range is limited...Is not a great natural athlete...Has dealt with some injuries in the past and durability is a concern...Never put up eye-popping numbers statistically during his career...Probably has a limited pro upside due to his physical shortcomings.
Notes:
Excellent college player who lacks the physical tools needed to be considered much more than a two-down player at the next level...The type of role player all good teams have...Could carve a niche for himself as a backup & special teamer.
nerangers
Footballguy
Bill's wrap (boston.com)
Patriots coach Bill Belichick just held his wrap-up draft press conference and opened with the following remarks:
“It’s been a busy day here with seven picks. We went into the draft, and into the second day, with some flexibility there. But in the end, we kind of felt like we were in the place we wanted to be when each pick came around and we stayed and took them. The first couple picks there in the fourth round -- with [Garrett] Mills, he was a very productive pass receiver in the Tulsa offense, an outstanding kid, versatile, plays in the kicking game, does a lot of different things. He just had tremendous production down there. And we took the kicker [stephen Gostowski], we felt like there was value at that point. He had another good season this year, he’s been a four-year kicker at Memphis, a baseball player, a good athlete. We feel like he has good leg strength to be competitive at that position with our other players there. Then we started going for the bigger guys; I thought there was some value at that point -- we went with the offensive lineman [Ryan O’Callaghan], outside linebacker [Jeremy Mincey], offensive lineman [Dan Stevenson], defensive lineman [Le Kevin Smith], it just seemed like there was more value on the board at those positions at those points in the draft. Then we finished up with [defensive back] Willie Andrews, who has played some safety, corner and returned kicks, played some special teams. He’s a little bit of a versatile guy down there at Baylor. So you know, all in all, I think we added a lot of young players to our team. We added some speed. Like I said, we got some big guys here on the second day. Add them into the competition on both sides of the ball and we’ll see how that comes down. There is still a lot of work to do tonight in terms of the college free agents, the kids who weren’t drafted who end up filling out everyone’s roster. Our scouts and Scott [Pioli] have done a great job on preparations for the draft at all the different points in the process, particularly the last two days. But we’re still at it, trying to round up some guys to try to round out the roster spots and have as strong a team as we can going into camp. In the past, we’ve been able to pick up a couple guys at that time, so hopefully that will happen again today. That’s where we’re at.”
Belichick bits
Quick hits from Bill Belichick’s 30-minute draft-ending press conference:
Belichick was asked about his defensive coaching staff, which following Eric Mangini’s departure had Dean Pees as coordinator, Joel Collier as assistant secondary coach and Pepper Johnson as defensive line coach. That’s a light coaching staff compared to other NFL teams, and the Patriots have bolstered that side of the ball by moving assistant offensive line coach Matt Patricia to linebackers coach.
So the defensive staff now looks like this:
Dean Pees –- coordinator
Pepper Johnson –- defensive line
Matt Patricia –- linebackers
Joel Collier –- defensive backs
The 31-year-old Patricia enters his third NFL coaching season in 2006, all with the Patriots. A former standout offensive lineman at RPI, Patricia's coaching career began with six years in the college ranks (RPI as a graduate assistant, Amherst College as defensive line coach, Syracuse as an offensive graduate assistant). Patricia joined the Patriots in 2004 and spent his first season as an offensive coaching assistant and last year as assistant offensive line coach.
+++
After selecting just one defensive back (seventh rounder Willie Andrews), Belichick was asked where things stand with free-agent Ty Law:
“Where do they stand? Any player that is not on our team is not on our team. It's as simple as that. The ones that are, are under contract or we have rights to by the draft or exclusive rights free agents or whatever the situation is, then that's what their situation is. Anybody that isn't, isn't. I can't comment on anybody that is it on our team.”
Asked if there have been recent conversations with Law, Belichick answered: “Whether there are or not, any conversations I have with players and all that is between myself and the player.”
+++
Asked about the future of quarterback Doug Flutie, and whether he has a place with the Patriots, Belichick said: “You have to talk to Doug about what Doug’s future is.”
Flutie’s agent, Kristen Kuliga, said on Sunday night that Flutie expects to decide on his future this week.
+++
At the end of the press conference, Belichick was asked by a reporter where he could send his tape to be considered as a rookie free agent. The coach played along, mentioning vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli would love to receive the tape. Belichick then listed Pioli’s phone number, and also mentioned if the reporter wanted game tickets that something could be worked out. That ended the press conference on a playful note.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick just held his wrap-up draft press conference and opened with the following remarks:
“It’s been a busy day here with seven picks. We went into the draft, and into the second day, with some flexibility there. But in the end, we kind of felt like we were in the place we wanted to be when each pick came around and we stayed and took them. The first couple picks there in the fourth round -- with [Garrett] Mills, he was a very productive pass receiver in the Tulsa offense, an outstanding kid, versatile, plays in the kicking game, does a lot of different things. He just had tremendous production down there. And we took the kicker [stephen Gostowski], we felt like there was value at that point. He had another good season this year, he’s been a four-year kicker at Memphis, a baseball player, a good athlete. We feel like he has good leg strength to be competitive at that position with our other players there. Then we started going for the bigger guys; I thought there was some value at that point -- we went with the offensive lineman [Ryan O’Callaghan], outside linebacker [Jeremy Mincey], offensive lineman [Dan Stevenson], defensive lineman [Le Kevin Smith], it just seemed like there was more value on the board at those positions at those points in the draft. Then we finished up with [defensive back] Willie Andrews, who has played some safety, corner and returned kicks, played some special teams. He’s a little bit of a versatile guy down there at Baylor. So you know, all in all, I think we added a lot of young players to our team. We added some speed. Like I said, we got some big guys here on the second day. Add them into the competition on both sides of the ball and we’ll see how that comes down. There is still a lot of work to do tonight in terms of the college free agents, the kids who weren’t drafted who end up filling out everyone’s roster. Our scouts and Scott [Pioli] have done a great job on preparations for the draft at all the different points in the process, particularly the last two days. But we’re still at it, trying to round up some guys to try to round out the roster spots and have as strong a team as we can going into camp. In the past, we’ve been able to pick up a couple guys at that time, so hopefully that will happen again today. That’s where we’re at.”
Belichick bits
Quick hits from Bill Belichick’s 30-minute draft-ending press conference:
Belichick was asked about his defensive coaching staff, which following Eric Mangini’s departure had Dean Pees as coordinator, Joel Collier as assistant secondary coach and Pepper Johnson as defensive line coach. That’s a light coaching staff compared to other NFL teams, and the Patriots have bolstered that side of the ball by moving assistant offensive line coach Matt Patricia to linebackers coach.
So the defensive staff now looks like this:
Dean Pees –- coordinator
Pepper Johnson –- defensive line
Matt Patricia –- linebackers
Joel Collier –- defensive backs
The 31-year-old Patricia enters his third NFL coaching season in 2006, all with the Patriots. A former standout offensive lineman at RPI, Patricia's coaching career began with six years in the college ranks (RPI as a graduate assistant, Amherst College as defensive line coach, Syracuse as an offensive graduate assistant). Patricia joined the Patriots in 2004 and spent his first season as an offensive coaching assistant and last year as assistant offensive line coach.
+++
After selecting just one defensive back (seventh rounder Willie Andrews), Belichick was asked where things stand with free-agent Ty Law:
“Where do they stand? Any player that is not on our team is not on our team. It's as simple as that. The ones that are, are under contract or we have rights to by the draft or exclusive rights free agents or whatever the situation is, then that's what their situation is. Anybody that isn't, isn't. I can't comment on anybody that is it on our team.”
Asked if there have been recent conversations with Law, Belichick answered: “Whether there are or not, any conversations I have with players and all that is between myself and the player.”
+++
Asked about the future of quarterback Doug Flutie, and whether he has a place with the Patriots, Belichick said: “You have to talk to Doug about what Doug’s future is.”
Flutie’s agent, Kristen Kuliga, said on Sunday night that Flutie expects to decide on his future this week.
+++
At the end of the press conference, Belichick was asked by a reporter where he could send his tape to be considered as a rookie free agent. The coach played along, mentioning vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli would love to receive the tape. Belichick then listed Pioli’s phone number, and also mentioned if the reporter wanted game tickets that something could be worked out. That ended the press conference on a playful note.
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Flutie set to retire
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:12:33 -0700
Steve Burton, of CBS4 Boston, reports New England Patriots QB Doug Flutie plans to inform Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick Monday, May 1, he is retiring from the NFL. Unless Belichick talks him out of it, Flutie is headed to the broadcast booth.
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 20:12:33 -0700
Steve Burton, of CBS4 Boston, reports New England Patriots QB Doug Flutie plans to inform Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick Monday, May 1, he is retiring from the NFL. Unless Belichick talks him out of it, Flutie is headed to the broadcast booth.
Pat Patriot
Footballguy
Patriots would not have been drafting a QB anyway. They have their young QB in Casselle. They need a veteran backup.
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Team signs UDFA R. Hand
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 23:42:05 -0700
The Naples Daily News reports the New England Patriots have signed undrafted rookie free agent OL Randy Hand (Florida).
Sorry, could not find a profile on the sites I use or nfl.com
Edit:
Pros: Hand has a big frame and the agility and footwork that are essential to play on the outside. He is quick off the snap whether as a run or pass blocker and gets into an opponent with good initial contact to gain control. He is lean and muscular with the technique to be a pro lineman with some refinement. He is a fast learner and hard worker with good character. In pass protection, he showed a high level of consistency on a weekly basis. He is the type that could continue to take leaps with further development in drive blocking technique. In pass protection, he sets up quickly with the footwork to slide and easily to mirror a defender.
Cons: Whether he has the power the demanded at the right tackle position remains to be seen. He relies more on finesse to wall off a tackler. His good footwork allows him to get to the second level, but he can struggle to strike and sustain in open space. As a drive blocker, he delivers a quick punch, but needs hand technique development to control an opponent longer. As a drive blocker, he can come off the ball high at times.
Skinny: He is an unheralded blocker that scouts are hoping will fall through the cracks in this solid class. He is a fine prospect with athletic ability, toughness, durability and the smarts to become an NFL starter. Good second-day pick with definite upside and capable of being a nice sleeper.
Patriots | Team expected to sign UDFA E.Davis
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 23:13:04 -0700
The Nashville City Paper reports the New England Patriots are expected to sign undrafted rookie free agent WR Erik Davis (Vanderbilt) later this week.
Sorry, could not find a profile on the sites I use or nfl.com
edit:
Davis (6-0 5/8, 186) ran his 40s in 4.68 and 4.71. Had a 35½-inch vertical jump, 10-foot broad jump, 4.30 short shuttle, 6.96 three-cone drill, and 7 lifts.
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 23:42:05 -0700
The Naples Daily News reports the New England Patriots have signed undrafted rookie free agent OL Randy Hand (Florida).
Sorry, could not find a profile on the sites I use or nfl.com
Edit:
Pros: Hand has a big frame and the agility and footwork that are essential to play on the outside. He is quick off the snap whether as a run or pass blocker and gets into an opponent with good initial contact to gain control. He is lean and muscular with the technique to be a pro lineman with some refinement. He is a fast learner and hard worker with good character. In pass protection, he showed a high level of consistency on a weekly basis. He is the type that could continue to take leaps with further development in drive blocking technique. In pass protection, he sets up quickly with the footwork to slide and easily to mirror a defender.
Cons: Whether he has the power the demanded at the right tackle position remains to be seen. He relies more on finesse to wall off a tackler. His good footwork allows him to get to the second level, but he can struggle to strike and sustain in open space. As a drive blocker, he delivers a quick punch, but needs hand technique development to control an opponent longer. As a drive blocker, he can come off the ball high at times.
Skinny: He is an unheralded blocker that scouts are hoping will fall through the cracks in this solid class. He is a fine prospect with athletic ability, toughness, durability and the smarts to become an NFL starter. Good second-day pick with definite upside and capable of being a nice sleeper.
Patriots | Team expected to sign UDFA E.Davis
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 23:13:04 -0700
The Nashville City Paper reports the New England Patriots are expected to sign undrafted rookie free agent WR Erik Davis (Vanderbilt) later this week.
Sorry, could not find a profile on the sites I use or nfl.com
edit:
Davis (6-0 5/8, 186) ran his 40s in 4.68 and 4.71. Had a 35½-inch vertical jump, 10-foot broad jump, 4.30 short shuttle, 6.96 three-cone drill, and 7 lifts.
Last edited by a moderator:
nerangers
Footballguy
Here are some name of Players that are out there that could be worth a look. (nfldraftcountdown.com)
Top Undrafted Prospects
1. Martin Nance, WR, Miami (OH)
2. Spencer Havner, OLB, U.C.L.A.
3. Kai Parham, ILB, Virginia
4. Anwar Phillips, CB, Penn St.
5. Darrell Hunter, CB, Miami (OH)
6. Charles Gordon, CB, Kansas
7. Greg Lee, WR, Pittsburgh
8. Andre Hall, RB, South Florida
9. Brian Iwuh, OLB, Colorado
10. Hank Baskett, WR, New Mexico
11. Darrell Hackney, QB, U.A.B.
12. Eric Henderson, DE, Georgia Tech
13. DonTrell Moore, RB, New Mexico
14. Tim Day, TE, Oregon
15. Jahmile Addae, S, West Virginia
16. Marcus Vick, QB, Virginia Tech
17. Mike Bell, RB, Arizona
18. Adam Stenavich, OG, Michigan
19. Charlton Keith, DE, Kansas
20. Mike Kudla, DE, Ohio St.
21. Taurean Henderson, RB, Texas Tech
22. Mike Degory, C, Florida
23. Dion Byrum, CB, Ohio
24. Patrick Ross, C, Boston College
25. Derek Morris, OT, North Carolina St. 26. Dale Robinson, ILB, Arizona St.
27. Manaia Brown, DT, B.Y.U.
28. McKinley Boykin, DT, Ole Miss
29. Greg Threat, S, Miami (FL)
30. Miles Austin, WR, Monmouth
31. Troy Reddick, OT, Auburn
32. Darrell Brooks, S, Arizona
33. Gerald Riggs, Jr., RB, Tennessee
34. Copeland Bryan, DE, Arizona
35. Cameron Vaughn, OLB, L.S.U.
36. John Torp, P, Colorado
37. Tommy Jackson, DT, Auburn
38. Oliver Hoyte, ILB, North Carolina St.
39. Brett Basanez, QB, Northwestern
40. Quadtrine Hill, FB, Miami (FL)
41. Chijioke Onyenegecha, CB, Oklahoma
42. Steve Fifita, DT, Utah
43. Erik Meyer, QB, Eastern Michigan
44. Willie Evans, DE, Mississippi St.
45. Cooper Wallace, TE, Auburn
46. Justin Holland, QB, Colorado St.
47. Barrick Nealy, QB, Texas St.
48. John Busing, OLB, Miami (OH)
49. Scott Ware, S, Southern Cal
50. Manase Hopoi, DT, Washington
Top Undrafted Prospects
1. Martin Nance, WR, Miami (OH)
2. Spencer Havner, OLB, U.C.L.A.
3. Kai Parham, ILB, Virginia
4. Anwar Phillips, CB, Penn St.
5. Darrell Hunter, CB, Miami (OH)
6. Charles Gordon, CB, Kansas
7. Greg Lee, WR, Pittsburgh
8. Andre Hall, RB, South Florida
9. Brian Iwuh, OLB, Colorado
10. Hank Baskett, WR, New Mexico
11. Darrell Hackney, QB, U.A.B.
12. Eric Henderson, DE, Georgia Tech
13. DonTrell Moore, RB, New Mexico
14. Tim Day, TE, Oregon
15. Jahmile Addae, S, West Virginia
16. Marcus Vick, QB, Virginia Tech
17. Mike Bell, RB, Arizona
18. Adam Stenavich, OG, Michigan
19. Charlton Keith, DE, Kansas
20. Mike Kudla, DE, Ohio St.
21. Taurean Henderson, RB, Texas Tech
22. Mike Degory, C, Florida
23. Dion Byrum, CB, Ohio
24. Patrick Ross, C, Boston College
25. Derek Morris, OT, North Carolina St. 26. Dale Robinson, ILB, Arizona St.
27. Manaia Brown, DT, B.Y.U.
28. McKinley Boykin, DT, Ole Miss
29. Greg Threat, S, Miami (FL)
30. Miles Austin, WR, Monmouth
31. Troy Reddick, OT, Auburn
32. Darrell Brooks, S, Arizona
33. Gerald Riggs, Jr., RB, Tennessee
34. Copeland Bryan, DE, Arizona
35. Cameron Vaughn, OLB, L.S.U.
36. John Torp, P, Colorado
37. Tommy Jackson, DT, Auburn
38. Oliver Hoyte, ILB, North Carolina St.
39. Brett Basanez, QB, Northwestern
40. Quadtrine Hill, FB, Miami (FL)
41. Chijioke Onyenegecha, CB, Oklahoma
42. Steve Fifita, DT, Utah
43. Erik Meyer, QB, Eastern Michigan
44. Willie Evans, DE, Mississippi St.
45. Cooper Wallace, TE, Auburn
46. Justin Holland, QB, Colorado St.
47. Barrick Nealy, QB, Texas St.
48. John Busing, OLB, Miami (OH)
49. Scott Ware, S, Southern Cal
50. Manase Hopoi, DT, Washington
Last edited by a moderator:
All in all, it's was a decent draft.
I love the Maroney pick. I liked him for his size, though I wouldn't have been upset with DeAngelo.
At the 2nd round pick, I thought they'd arrest BB and Pioli, because that was just stealing.
Just ther I declared the draft a success. Anything beyond that is a bonus. Depth. Anybody else who can start (there'll be one or two, there is every year) this season is a super-bonus.
I'm not crazy about Thomas, but the value was right. Solid blocker, w/ very soft hands.
With Mills I immediately felt that PPass isn't the future. I see this guy as a pass catching FB, that will be a solid lead blocker, and a Special Team stud. Pass is solid, but this is an upgrade.
Kicker? Okay. I guess it can't hurt. There was a day we drafted Vinatieri, and this guy has good numbers. Doesn't snow much in Memphis, but I'm open. The Gramattica signing didn't excite me. So, another look at a rookie isn't a bad thing.
The rest of the guys, I simply have scouting reports on, but was impressed with the mountain. And, he played guard? That rings athleticism, and they can teach him to play tackle.
Ahh, a first round RB. Let's just keep him out of beach volleyball!!!!
I love the Maroney pick. I liked him for his size, though I wouldn't have been upset with DeAngelo.
At the 2nd round pick, I thought they'd arrest BB and Pioli, because that was just stealing.
Just ther I declared the draft a success. Anything beyond that is a bonus. Depth. Anybody else who can start (there'll be one or two, there is every year) this season is a super-bonus.
I'm not crazy about Thomas, but the value was right. Solid blocker, w/ very soft hands.
With Mills I immediately felt that PPass isn't the future. I see this guy as a pass catching FB, that will be a solid lead blocker, and a Special Team stud. Pass is solid, but this is an upgrade.
Kicker? Okay. I guess it can't hurt. There was a day we drafted Vinatieri, and this guy has good numbers. Doesn't snow much in Memphis, but I'm open. The Gramattica signing didn't excite me. So, another look at a rookie isn't a bad thing.
The rest of the guys, I simply have scouting reports on, but was impressed with the mountain. And, he played guard? That rings athleticism, and they can teach him to play tackle.
Ahh, a first round RB. Let's just keep him out of beach volleyball!!!!
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Steelers fan here and I have to say I was impressed with the Patriots draft. Very nice job!
As for Flutie retiring, I'm not worried about it. Brady is tough as heck, and go easy on Cassell. There was another 2nd year player, that was a late draft pick, that had to step in his 2nd season, because of injury.
Even if Flutie goes, which I don't think is happening, we'll be allright. To be honest, I expect Cassell to be the #2 by mid season at the latest. Flutie is great at running around and rolling out. But, the Pats are a pocket passing team, and Cassell has tools better suited to that role. And Flutie is about a week older than dirt. I've loved him from Natick High to BC (I'm from Northborough), and felt he was never given a chance in the NFL. I love Flutie, but him retiring will not make or break the season.
Even if Flutie goes, which I don't think is happening, we'll be allright. To be honest, I expect Cassell to be the #2 by mid season at the latest. Flutie is great at running around and rolling out. But, the Pats are a pocket passing team, and Cassell has tools better suited to that role. And Flutie is about a week older than dirt. I've loved him from Natick High to BC (I'm from Northborough), and felt he was never given a chance in the NFL. I love Flutie, but him retiring will not make or break the season.
Pat Patriot
Footballguy
Likewise. Trading up to get Holmes was a nice move and I like the picks of Orien Harris in the 4th and Cedric Humes in the 7th.
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Team signs UDFA K. Jackson
Mon, 1 May 2006 15:48:25 -0700
UTRockets.CSTV.com reports the New England Patriots have signed undrafted rookie free agent S Keon Jackson (Toledo). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Patriots | UDFA K. Hall will try out with team
Mon, 1 May 2006 15:36:48 -0700
Bob Ferrante, of the Tallahassee Democrat, reports the undrafted rookie free agent S Kyler Hall (Florida State) will try out with the New England Patriots, according to his agent Matthew Couloute.
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA P. Woods
Mon, 1 May 2006 15:33:04 -0700
Mlive.com reports the New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with undrafted rookie free agent DE/LB Pierre Woods (Michigan).
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA C. Mays
Mon, 1 May 2006 07:30:13 -0700
The South Bend Tribune reports the New England Patriots have reached an agreement with undrafted rookie free agent LB Corey Mays (Notre Dame).
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA M. Shelton
Mon, 1 May 2006 07:27:55 -0700
The South Bend Tribune reports the New England Patriots have reached an agreement with undrafted rookie free agent WR Matt Shelton (Notre Dame).
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA V. Brown
Mon, 1 May 2006 06:14:42 -0700
The Gainesville Sun reports the New England Patriots have reached an agreement with undrafted rookie free agent CB Vernell Brown (Florida) on a two-year contract.
Mon, 1 May 2006 15:48:25 -0700
UTRockets.CSTV.com reports the New England Patriots have signed undrafted rookie free agent S Keon Jackson (Toledo). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Patriots | UDFA K. Hall will try out with team
Mon, 1 May 2006 15:36:48 -0700
Bob Ferrante, of the Tallahassee Democrat, reports the undrafted rookie free agent S Kyler Hall (Florida State) will try out with the New England Patriots, according to his agent Matthew Couloute.
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA P. Woods
Mon, 1 May 2006 15:33:04 -0700
Mlive.com reports the New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with undrafted rookie free agent DE/LB Pierre Woods (Michigan).
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA C. Mays
Mon, 1 May 2006 07:30:13 -0700
The South Bend Tribune reports the New England Patriots have reached an agreement with undrafted rookie free agent LB Corey Mays (Notre Dame).
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA M. Shelton
Mon, 1 May 2006 07:27:55 -0700
The South Bend Tribune reports the New England Patriots have reached an agreement with undrafted rookie free agent WR Matt Shelton (Notre Dame).
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA V. Brown
Mon, 1 May 2006 06:14:42 -0700
The Gainesville Sun reports the New England Patriots have reached an agreement with undrafted rookie free agent CB Vernell Brown (Florida) on a two-year contract.
Last edited by a moderator:
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Jackson to get a good look
Mon, 1 May 2006 11:32:57 -0700
Dan Ventura, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots second-round pick WR Chad Jackson will get a good opportunity to step right in and play. New England lost both WR David Givens and WR Tim Dwight to free agency and are unsure who will step up and fill the spot opposite WR Deion Branch.
Patriots | Maroney's role undefined
Mon, 1 May 2006 11:16:49 -0700
John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots first-round pick RB Laurence Maroney may see time outside the backfield next season. New England likes his hands and his quickness so Maroney may see some time in the slot as well as some return action.
Patriots | Mills ready to show his versatility
Mon, 1 May 2006 11:08:41 -0700
John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots fourth-round pick TE Garrett Mills projects as a combo halfback player in the NFL. Mills is a little undersized (6-1, 232) to play tight end full-time. The team already has three quality tight ends on the roster ahead of him. Mills is likely to see time at tight end, halfback and fullback. "I'm going to come into this organization and do whatever is asked of me," Mills said. "If coach (Bill) Belichick asks me to do a little tight end, I'll do that. If it's fullback, I'll do that. If it's a little bit of both, even better."
Patriots | Gostkowski to battle Gramatica
Mon, 1 May 2006 10:55:48 -0700
John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots fourth-round pick PK Stephen Gostkowski must be considered the favorite to win the Patriots kicking job over recently signed veteran PK Martin Gramatica. Whoever wins the job will have to fill the big shoes of PK Adam Vinatieri, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason.
Mon, 1 May 2006 11:32:57 -0700
Dan Ventura, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots second-round pick WR Chad Jackson will get a good opportunity to step right in and play. New England lost both WR David Givens and WR Tim Dwight to free agency and are unsure who will step up and fill the spot opposite WR Deion Branch.
Patriots | Maroney's role undefined
Mon, 1 May 2006 11:16:49 -0700
John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots first-round pick RB Laurence Maroney may see time outside the backfield next season. New England likes his hands and his quickness so Maroney may see some time in the slot as well as some return action.
Patriots | Mills ready to show his versatility
Mon, 1 May 2006 11:08:41 -0700
John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots fourth-round pick TE Garrett Mills projects as a combo halfback player in the NFL. Mills is a little undersized (6-1, 232) to play tight end full-time. The team already has three quality tight ends on the roster ahead of him. Mills is likely to see time at tight end, halfback and fullback. "I'm going to come into this organization and do whatever is asked of me," Mills said. "If coach (Bill) Belichick asks me to do a little tight end, I'll do that. If it's fullback, I'll do that. If it's a little bit of both, even better."
Patriots | Gostkowski to battle Gramatica
Mon, 1 May 2006 10:55:48 -0700
John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots fourth-round pick PK Stephen Gostkowski must be considered the favorite to win the Patriots kicking job over recently signed veteran PK Martin Gramatica. Whoever wins the job will have to fill the big shoes of PK Adam Vinatieri, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason.
nerangers
Footballguy
Top picks arrive (from boston.com)
Patriots owner Robert Kraft and vice chairman Jonathan Kraft just held a “photo opportunity” on the playing field at Gillette Stadium today with first-round draft choice Laurence Maroney and second-rounder Chad Jackson.
The four, decked out in dress suits, walked toward a mini-stage around the 50-yard line. The scoreboards in the stadium were illuminated with the message "Welcome 2006 draftees" while Robert Kraft spoke in front of 12 television cameras, numerous newspaper photographers, and other reporters.
“This is our 13th season that our family has had the privilege of having the number one draft pick here and in this case we’re privileged to have our two special picks at the top. We have a special gift for Chad, given that he’s from Florida and not used to the weather here. We thought we’d get him accustomed to it pretty quickly. We’ll each make a presentation to both of them at this point in time.”
Maroney, his dreadlocks emerging from under a white Patriots cap, was photographed while holding up a white Patriots jersey with the No. 1 (signifying his draft status). Jackson, also wearing a white Patriots cap, was photographed with a navy blue Patriots winter jacket.
QUICK HITS: Free-agent cornerback Eric Warfield has been assigned jersey No. 23. … Kicker Martin Gramtica will wear No. 7.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft and vice chairman Jonathan Kraft just held a “photo opportunity” on the playing field at Gillette Stadium today with first-round draft choice Laurence Maroney and second-rounder Chad Jackson.
The four, decked out in dress suits, walked toward a mini-stage around the 50-yard line. The scoreboards in the stadium were illuminated with the message "Welcome 2006 draftees" while Robert Kraft spoke in front of 12 television cameras, numerous newspaper photographers, and other reporters.
“This is our 13th season that our family has had the privilege of having the number one draft pick here and in this case we’re privileged to have our two special picks at the top. We have a special gift for Chad, given that he’s from Florida and not used to the weather here. We thought we’d get him accustomed to it pretty quickly. We’ll each make a presentation to both of them at this point in time.”
Maroney, his dreadlocks emerging from under a white Patriots cap, was photographed while holding up a white Patriots jersey with the No. 1 (signifying his draft status). Jackson, also wearing a white Patriots cap, was photographed with a navy blue Patriots winter jacket.
QUICK HITS: Free-agent cornerback Eric Warfield has been assigned jersey No. 23. … Kicker Martin Gramtica will wear No. 7.
nerangers
Footballguy
Maroney's chat
Patriots first-round pick Laurence Maroney spoke with the media at Gillette Stadium on Monday.
The Q&A:
What do you want the Patriots fans to know about you?
"Basically I'm a hard worker. I have a lot of energy. Basically I'm just a hard worker."
When you came into college Thomas Tapeh and Marion Barber were already there. How will handling that situation help you handle this one?
"I'd say I'm in the same position I was before. I came into a situation in Minnesota where I had two great backs in front of me and I just really took the back seat and learned and waited for my time and just helped the team out in any way possible. It's the same thing I'm thinking about doing here. I have great backs in front of me. I can learn from them. They've been there and they've done what I'm trying to do. Just learning from them is going to help me out a lot."
How did what you went through as a kid help shape you in terms of the kind of person you are?
"It helped a lot. It really made me grow up quicker, growing up without a father. I feel like I did everything because he wasn't around. It really helps me out everyday on the field. It's a little extra momentum for me."
How different was your role as a junior versus what it was as a sophomore and a freshman?
"At first, being without Marion [barber] was kind of strange, because [him] being there my first two years, every time I looked over my shoulder he was there. Now coming into the game everyone is looking for me to coach up the younger backs and they're coming to me asking me questions. It was kind of... I had to get used to it at first, but it was all right."
You developed as a leader through that?
"I feel like I've always been a leader. Even though I wasn't called a leader, everybody always looked to me to make a big play or do something big to help the team out. So it was something that I have always been doing."
You had some games with 40-plus carries. How did your body react to that? Do you feel like you're the workhorse type?
"I feel like I did that very good. My role my first two years wasn't to carry the ball 40 times. It isn't that I couldn't do it. It just wasn't my role. Everyone wanted to see on the college level if could I carry the ball that many times. I feel like I answered that question very good. After the games, a little ice tub never hurt."
The high school that you went to, Normandy, it's my understanding that it wasn't a rich section of town. It didn't have all the great things...
[Laughter]
...were you recruited by some of the other public or private schools to come there? If that's the case, why did you decide to stay [at Normandy]?
"Well basically, like you said, the school I came from didn't have any D-1 athletes. It was a school that probably went 3-7 on the best year. I had the opportunity to leave. But I've always felt I wanted to go to a team that needs help and I always try to help improve a team. I felt like if everybody left Normandy, they would never get better. I always want to be someone to help change a program around so that's why I stayed."
What do you think about coming to this team?
"I just want to come here and work hard. Getting the opportunity to play for them is truly a blessing. I just want to come here and do the best that I can do."
What has been the most surprising thing for you in the last few days?
"That my whole life growing up, I wanted to be in this position I am now and it finally came true."
Have you talked to Marion Barber about making the jump to the NFL?
"[We] pretty much never talked about it. He was just saying how proud he was of me and congratulations. We talked about it every once in a while but basically most of our conversations were just normal, friendly conversations. We really tried to not talk too much about the NFL and what it's going to be like. He just told me that it's a business and the speed of the game, once you get used to that you'll be all right."
Have you always thought of yourself as an underdog? You came from a high school that wasn't known for athletes and didn't get a lot of D-1 offers and Minnesota was never getting the pub of other Big 10 schools...
"I always felt like the underdog. Like I said, that's another fuel to the fire that keeps me going, because I know I'm the underdog and that one time it's going to be my time to shine. Until then, I'm going to keep working hard."
Laurence, your per carry average dropped as a junior. Was that just because you got the ball more?
"Yeah. I averaged probably 20 carries a game freshman and sophomore year. In Big-10 play I averaged 35. I have to say that probably was the reason."
What about your 93-yard run?
"The whole game I was telling the offensive coordinator that Wisconsin was over-pursuing the outside run and if we just cut it back, it was open. But [Minnesota] Coach [Glen] Mason doesn't like cutback runners. If it's there just hit it and get what you can get. He doesn't like you cutting back. I was real nervous the whole time trying to cut back and one time I just said, 'I'm just going to cut back and see what happens. If he yells at me he yells at me.'"
[laughter]
So I just did and it was open like I said. It was a 93-yarder. It was a good feeling. I was looking at him like, 'I hope he doesn't say anything. He can't say anything. I scored.'
Do you expect the hits to be a lot harder in the NFL?
"I'd say I'm in the same position once again coming in as in high school to college. The hits the first couple of times are going to hurt. You're going to feel them. You're going to see the difference. But your body is going to get used to it real quick. So after the first couple of hits I'll be alright."
At the combine you mentioned you weren't thrilled that Minnesota listed you at 205 pounds. Were you actually bigger than that in college?
"Yeah I was actually bigger than that. I haven't been 205 in so long. I try to tell folks that. They just keep thinking... I played at 210 my junior year, but they keep saying 205. I never paid attention to it. I just played football."
Did Coach Belichick talk to you about returning kicks?
"He has. He asked how good do I think I am returning kicks. I'd say I'm pretty good. I could do better but at Minnesota they really didn't kick me the ball. When they did kick it, I'd try to make something out of nothing."
Did you talk to Corey Dillon?
"No I haven't."
Do you feel like you're a home run hitter?
"I do feel like that. I feel like I can break from anywhere on the field given the right situation."
Did you have a favorite running back growing up? And what kind of back do you compare yourself to?
"I try not to compare myself to other backs. I don't want to walk into the footsteps of other backs. I want to create my own legacy. I just want to come here and work hard, and hopefully I create my own legacy here."
Did you discuss with the coaches about how you might fit into the system here?
"We haven't got into that too much right now. It was just getting to meet them again and breaking this whole situation down."
What is the impression you have of the coaching staff here and the way things work around here?
"The coaches are real nice. I like the coaches. Me and the running backs coach sat down and had good meetings. We talked about a couple of things here and there. I really like the coaching staff."
Have you thought about how you fit into the NFL? How good you can be?
"I really don't know how good I can be. Just given the opportunity, hopefully I can come here and work hard and do my best."
What type of runner are you? What do you think about when you get the football?
"Every time I get the football I'm trying to score. Hurry up and get off the field."
Are you a guy that once you get through the hole, you're not making any other moves?
"Once I got to college, Coach [Glen] Mason and the other coaches always taught me 'one cut and go.' You can't dance in the hole. You make one cut and go north and south. You can't go anywhere east and west."
What do you expect to be the biggest challenge in your transition into the NFL?
"Basically just learning the language here and getting to know this playbook and learning the whole concept of the offense."
Are you willing to push Corey Dillon?
"I'm going to come in here and work hard. Like I said, I'm a hard worker. I expect him to push me too."
Patriots first-round pick Laurence Maroney spoke with the media at Gillette Stadium on Monday.
The Q&A:
What do you want the Patriots fans to know about you?
"Basically I'm a hard worker. I have a lot of energy. Basically I'm just a hard worker."
When you came into college Thomas Tapeh and Marion Barber were already there. How will handling that situation help you handle this one?
"I'd say I'm in the same position I was before. I came into a situation in Minnesota where I had two great backs in front of me and I just really took the back seat and learned and waited for my time and just helped the team out in any way possible. It's the same thing I'm thinking about doing here. I have great backs in front of me. I can learn from them. They've been there and they've done what I'm trying to do. Just learning from them is going to help me out a lot."
How did what you went through as a kid help shape you in terms of the kind of person you are?
"It helped a lot. It really made me grow up quicker, growing up without a father. I feel like I did everything because he wasn't around. It really helps me out everyday on the field. It's a little extra momentum for me."
How different was your role as a junior versus what it was as a sophomore and a freshman?
"At first, being without Marion [barber] was kind of strange, because [him] being there my first two years, every time I looked over my shoulder he was there. Now coming into the game everyone is looking for me to coach up the younger backs and they're coming to me asking me questions. It was kind of... I had to get used to it at first, but it was all right."
You developed as a leader through that?
"I feel like I've always been a leader. Even though I wasn't called a leader, everybody always looked to me to make a big play or do something big to help the team out. So it was something that I have always been doing."
You had some games with 40-plus carries. How did your body react to that? Do you feel like you're the workhorse type?
"I feel like I did that very good. My role my first two years wasn't to carry the ball 40 times. It isn't that I couldn't do it. It just wasn't my role. Everyone wanted to see on the college level if could I carry the ball that many times. I feel like I answered that question very good. After the games, a little ice tub never hurt."
The high school that you went to, Normandy, it's my understanding that it wasn't a rich section of town. It didn't have all the great things...
[Laughter]
...were you recruited by some of the other public or private schools to come there? If that's the case, why did you decide to stay [at Normandy]?
"Well basically, like you said, the school I came from didn't have any D-1 athletes. It was a school that probably went 3-7 on the best year. I had the opportunity to leave. But I've always felt I wanted to go to a team that needs help and I always try to help improve a team. I felt like if everybody left Normandy, they would never get better. I always want to be someone to help change a program around so that's why I stayed."
What do you think about coming to this team?
"I just want to come here and work hard. Getting the opportunity to play for them is truly a blessing. I just want to come here and do the best that I can do."
What has been the most surprising thing for you in the last few days?
"That my whole life growing up, I wanted to be in this position I am now and it finally came true."
Have you talked to Marion Barber about making the jump to the NFL?
"[We] pretty much never talked about it. He was just saying how proud he was of me and congratulations. We talked about it every once in a while but basically most of our conversations were just normal, friendly conversations. We really tried to not talk too much about the NFL and what it's going to be like. He just told me that it's a business and the speed of the game, once you get used to that you'll be all right."
Have you always thought of yourself as an underdog? You came from a high school that wasn't known for athletes and didn't get a lot of D-1 offers and Minnesota was never getting the pub of other Big 10 schools...
"I always felt like the underdog. Like I said, that's another fuel to the fire that keeps me going, because I know I'm the underdog and that one time it's going to be my time to shine. Until then, I'm going to keep working hard."
Laurence, your per carry average dropped as a junior. Was that just because you got the ball more?
"Yeah. I averaged probably 20 carries a game freshman and sophomore year. In Big-10 play I averaged 35. I have to say that probably was the reason."
What about your 93-yard run?
"The whole game I was telling the offensive coordinator that Wisconsin was over-pursuing the outside run and if we just cut it back, it was open. But [Minnesota] Coach [Glen] Mason doesn't like cutback runners. If it's there just hit it and get what you can get. He doesn't like you cutting back. I was real nervous the whole time trying to cut back and one time I just said, 'I'm just going to cut back and see what happens. If he yells at me he yells at me.'"
[laughter]
So I just did and it was open like I said. It was a 93-yarder. It was a good feeling. I was looking at him like, 'I hope he doesn't say anything. He can't say anything. I scored.'
Do you expect the hits to be a lot harder in the NFL?
"I'd say I'm in the same position once again coming in as in high school to college. The hits the first couple of times are going to hurt. You're going to feel them. You're going to see the difference. But your body is going to get used to it real quick. So after the first couple of hits I'll be alright."
At the combine you mentioned you weren't thrilled that Minnesota listed you at 205 pounds. Were you actually bigger than that in college?
"Yeah I was actually bigger than that. I haven't been 205 in so long. I try to tell folks that. They just keep thinking... I played at 210 my junior year, but they keep saying 205. I never paid attention to it. I just played football."
Did Coach Belichick talk to you about returning kicks?
"He has. He asked how good do I think I am returning kicks. I'd say I'm pretty good. I could do better but at Minnesota they really didn't kick me the ball. When they did kick it, I'd try to make something out of nothing."
Did you talk to Corey Dillon?
"No I haven't."
Do you feel like you're a home run hitter?
"I do feel like that. I feel like I can break from anywhere on the field given the right situation."
Did you have a favorite running back growing up? And what kind of back do you compare yourself to?
"I try not to compare myself to other backs. I don't want to walk into the footsteps of other backs. I want to create my own legacy. I just want to come here and work hard, and hopefully I create my own legacy here."
Did you discuss with the coaches about how you might fit into the system here?
"We haven't got into that too much right now. It was just getting to meet them again and breaking this whole situation down."
What is the impression you have of the coaching staff here and the way things work around here?
"The coaches are real nice. I like the coaches. Me and the running backs coach sat down and had good meetings. We talked about a couple of things here and there. I really like the coaching staff."
Have you thought about how you fit into the NFL? How good you can be?
"I really don't know how good I can be. Just given the opportunity, hopefully I can come here and work hard and do my best."
What type of runner are you? What do you think about when you get the football?
"Every time I get the football I'm trying to score. Hurry up and get off the field."
Are you a guy that once you get through the hole, you're not making any other moves?
"Once I got to college, Coach [Glen] Mason and the other coaches always taught me 'one cut and go.' You can't dance in the hole. You make one cut and go north and south. You can't go anywhere east and west."
What do you expect to be the biggest challenge in your transition into the NFL?
"Basically just learning the language here and getting to know this playbook and learning the whole concept of the offense."
Are you willing to push Corey Dillon?
"I'm going to come in here and work hard. Like I said, I'm a hard worker. I expect him to push me too."
nerangers
Footballguy
Jackson's chat
Receiver Chad Jackson spoke with the media on Monday at Gillette Stadium.
The Q&A:
Were you surprised by your speed at the combine? Did you know you could run that fast?
"I kind of knew I could run pretty fast, but not that fast. My fastest time in the 40 was probably a 4.29 back at the University of Florida last offseason. It was a warm day that day in the dorm and I felt like I was going to run pretty fast, but not [that fast]."
Do you think your speed and big-play ability is what caused the Patriots to draft you?
"Yes, I think so, my ability to make things happen after the catch, turn little five-yard routes into 20-yard gains and hopefully touchdowns."
Can you describe Coach [urban] Meyer's offense? What did you learn?
"Coach Meyer's offense is kind of different. He has a couple of plays that are trickery plays and plays where you just run the ball and plays where he just wants to go down the field. You never know with Coach Meyer. I played the inside receiver this year, the inside slot, and that was kind of difficult for me. It was something that I had to adjust to because it felt like I was the only guy with enough speed and enough size to go in there and run the inside routes with the linebacker."
Did you feel like you were out of position inside?
"Yes I did. I'm more of an outside receiver. I like to go deep and use my speed, come across the middle and make big plays."
Given your great ability, how difficult was it to just deal with a coach who was demanding a lot more from you and also knowing it will be the same here?
"Knowing it's going to be the same here, it is just him pushing me. He just wants me to be the best player that I can be and I thank him for that because at the beginning of the season I was kind of lazy and lackadaisical. But towards the end of the season my blocking became better, my route-running became better and I have more respect for the coach and I thank him for that."
Was it a little shocking to you when Coach Meyer first arrived and what he made you guys do and what he put you through?
"He brought a strength and conditioning coach in, Coach Mick Marotti and Coach [Matt] Balis, and those were two guys that would push you until you were ready to fall out, unto you were ready to pass out. So they wanted to get everything out of you that you had in you. Those are two strength and conditioning coaches that will work you hard. They came in and I remember we had a St. Valentine's Day massacre where we had to be in the weight room at 12 o'clock in the morning on Valentine's Day and we were out there lifting weights, rolling tires in the stadium. It was crazy. It's not like any type of workout that I've been through before."
What did you think of the Patriots before you got drafted by them and also what did you think about Tom Brady and the offense and your possible role here?
"I think it is a great program that is going on right now. They've won three Super Bowl championships and they are building on strong right now. Hopefully I can become a big part of the offense that is going on right now with Tom Brady, Troy Brown and Deion Branch and hopefully I can learn from those guys. Hopefully I can come out here and make big plays and contribute to the team as much as I can."
With the conversations that you've had with other players and guys around the league, what do you see as the biggest adjustment you will have to make coming into the NFL?
"Just people telling me about the speed of the game. They tell me it's the same thing as college. The DB's are the same, it's just they are faster than you or as fast as you are, so you just have to go out there and compete with those guys and show them that you can play and earn respect."
Do you watch other NFL receivers on film and break them down at all and what did you learn about Deion Branch?
"I watch a couple of receivers in the game. Anytime I can learn something from a receiver, I pick it up and learn it. I watched a couple of games and Deion Branch is one of those receivers that is an outspoken guy he can do anything out there on the field and can go out there make plays and he's out there having fun and he means a lot to this team."
Do you think having to learn two vastly different offenses in college will help you pick up the NFL offense more quickly?
"Yes, I've been through a lot of offenses. In high school I was in a spread offense also. When Ron Zook was there, I was in a different offense and then when Coach Meyer came, you know what offense that was. I feel like I can adjust to any type of offense that is thrown at me. I feel like I can adjust to it and just make it work to the best of my ability."
How surprised were you when Coach Belichick threw some terminology at you about some of the things you had talked about at previous meetings?
"It was crazy at first because I didn't expect that to happen. I think that was only team that did that. They gave me some of their plays that were similar to ours and he told me to go back home and learn them and come back and show him and wanted me to spit it back to him and tell them what I learned. I think I did that pretty well and it worked out well for me."
Did you feel like the professor was giving you homework or something?
"Yeah, that's how I felt. I felt like I was getting quizzed or getting tested. When I took that test home, I made sure I studied all that night and everyday until I had the next meeting with him to make sure I knew it because I didn't want to go out there and mess up. When I did it, I did it pretty good though."
Do you feel like you can come in and contribute right away?
"I feel like I can come in to contribute to the team in any way I can. I'm not expecting anything right now. I'm not expecting to take any spots or any positions or anything like that. I just want to come out here and work hard and contribute to the team as much as I can."
Was draft day tough on you as you fell down the board since you were projected to go in the first round?
"Yeah, it was kind of tough on me and my family. We were expecting to go top 20, but you know you can't listen to all the hype. You can't believe all the hype. It ended up working out well for me. I was a high draft pick in the second round, so it worked out really well for me."
Before you got drafted, did you go online to see who the other receivers were and who your competition would be?
"I did that before, so I kind of knew who all the receivers were up there before and what I had to work with. So I was kind of ahead of my game already."
Coming from Florida, do you like snow?
"[Laughter] No, not really, but it's something I can adjust to. I can come and play in it. It's no problem. I can play in any type of weather. I've played in cold weather before. I was up here when they played the Colts couple of years ago in the playoffs. I was up here in the cold watching the game with a couple of friends of mine. It's something I could get used to. But it's a lot of fun, to go out there score a couple of touchdowns and makes some snow angels or something like that."
When you were coming in the league, did you ever say to yourself, 'I could play for that quarterback,' and if so, would Tom Brady be that type of guy?
"Yeah, Brady would be the perfect guy for that position. He has the great tangibles of being a great quarterback. He knows what he's doing. He's been in the game for a long time and I'd like to learn from him."
Some Florida receivers have struggled in the pros. What makes you maybe a little different from those guys?
"What makes me different is, I'm a guy that goes out there and works hard. You can talk to any of my old coaches, Coach Meyer, they will tell you that I'm a hard worker. I have great character and I'm willing to do what it takes to go out there and win."
Can you describe that 80-yard touchdown catch you had this year?
"Against Louisiana Tech, that was one of the deepest balls that I ever ran this whole year, so that worked out well for me. A nice 80-yarder, Chris [Leak] saw the field wide open and I just happened to be there."
Did you have an idea that maybe the Patriots would take you at 21?
"Yeah, when the clock started, I was just waiting on the phone call. I said, 'They're going to call me. They're going to call me. They're going to call me.' But it didn't turn out that way. But they got me in the second round and I like that phone call better because they said, 'We're going to trade up and hurry up and get you. We're going to get you.' I said, 'Okay, that's cool. I can handle that, so I can get some of the stress off of me.' It ended up working out well."
Are you happy the whole draft is behind you?
"I'm very happy right now. The whole process that I've been through since I came has been stressful. The combine and getting ready for that. People saying, 'Why did you come out early,' and all this other stuff. 'Did I make the right decision and those things. I'm just glad it's all over and I'm glad to just settle down and get ready to play football for the upcoming season."
Receiver Chad Jackson spoke with the media on Monday at Gillette Stadium.
The Q&A:
Were you surprised by your speed at the combine? Did you know you could run that fast?
"I kind of knew I could run pretty fast, but not that fast. My fastest time in the 40 was probably a 4.29 back at the University of Florida last offseason. It was a warm day that day in the dorm and I felt like I was going to run pretty fast, but not [that fast]."
Do you think your speed and big-play ability is what caused the Patriots to draft you?
"Yes, I think so, my ability to make things happen after the catch, turn little five-yard routes into 20-yard gains and hopefully touchdowns."
Can you describe Coach [urban] Meyer's offense? What did you learn?
"Coach Meyer's offense is kind of different. He has a couple of plays that are trickery plays and plays where you just run the ball and plays where he just wants to go down the field. You never know with Coach Meyer. I played the inside receiver this year, the inside slot, and that was kind of difficult for me. It was something that I had to adjust to because it felt like I was the only guy with enough speed and enough size to go in there and run the inside routes with the linebacker."
Did you feel like you were out of position inside?
"Yes I did. I'm more of an outside receiver. I like to go deep and use my speed, come across the middle and make big plays."
Given your great ability, how difficult was it to just deal with a coach who was demanding a lot more from you and also knowing it will be the same here?
"Knowing it's going to be the same here, it is just him pushing me. He just wants me to be the best player that I can be and I thank him for that because at the beginning of the season I was kind of lazy and lackadaisical. But towards the end of the season my blocking became better, my route-running became better and I have more respect for the coach and I thank him for that."
Was it a little shocking to you when Coach Meyer first arrived and what he made you guys do and what he put you through?
"He brought a strength and conditioning coach in, Coach Mick Marotti and Coach [Matt] Balis, and those were two guys that would push you until you were ready to fall out, unto you were ready to pass out. So they wanted to get everything out of you that you had in you. Those are two strength and conditioning coaches that will work you hard. They came in and I remember we had a St. Valentine's Day massacre where we had to be in the weight room at 12 o'clock in the morning on Valentine's Day and we were out there lifting weights, rolling tires in the stadium. It was crazy. It's not like any type of workout that I've been through before."
What did you think of the Patriots before you got drafted by them and also what did you think about Tom Brady and the offense and your possible role here?
"I think it is a great program that is going on right now. They've won three Super Bowl championships and they are building on strong right now. Hopefully I can become a big part of the offense that is going on right now with Tom Brady, Troy Brown and Deion Branch and hopefully I can learn from those guys. Hopefully I can come out here and make big plays and contribute to the team as much as I can."
With the conversations that you've had with other players and guys around the league, what do you see as the biggest adjustment you will have to make coming into the NFL?
"Just people telling me about the speed of the game. They tell me it's the same thing as college. The DB's are the same, it's just they are faster than you or as fast as you are, so you just have to go out there and compete with those guys and show them that you can play and earn respect."
Do you watch other NFL receivers on film and break them down at all and what did you learn about Deion Branch?
"I watch a couple of receivers in the game. Anytime I can learn something from a receiver, I pick it up and learn it. I watched a couple of games and Deion Branch is one of those receivers that is an outspoken guy he can do anything out there on the field and can go out there make plays and he's out there having fun and he means a lot to this team."
Do you think having to learn two vastly different offenses in college will help you pick up the NFL offense more quickly?
"Yes, I've been through a lot of offenses. In high school I was in a spread offense also. When Ron Zook was there, I was in a different offense and then when Coach Meyer came, you know what offense that was. I feel like I can adjust to any type of offense that is thrown at me. I feel like I can adjust to it and just make it work to the best of my ability."
How surprised were you when Coach Belichick threw some terminology at you about some of the things you had talked about at previous meetings?
"It was crazy at first because I didn't expect that to happen. I think that was only team that did that. They gave me some of their plays that were similar to ours and he told me to go back home and learn them and come back and show him and wanted me to spit it back to him and tell them what I learned. I think I did that pretty well and it worked out well for me."
Did you feel like the professor was giving you homework or something?
"Yeah, that's how I felt. I felt like I was getting quizzed or getting tested. When I took that test home, I made sure I studied all that night and everyday until I had the next meeting with him to make sure I knew it because I didn't want to go out there and mess up. When I did it, I did it pretty good though."
Do you feel like you can come in and contribute right away?
"I feel like I can come in to contribute to the team in any way I can. I'm not expecting anything right now. I'm not expecting to take any spots or any positions or anything like that. I just want to come out here and work hard and contribute to the team as much as I can."
Was draft day tough on you as you fell down the board since you were projected to go in the first round?
"Yeah, it was kind of tough on me and my family. We were expecting to go top 20, but you know you can't listen to all the hype. You can't believe all the hype. It ended up working out well for me. I was a high draft pick in the second round, so it worked out really well for me."
Before you got drafted, did you go online to see who the other receivers were and who your competition would be?
"I did that before, so I kind of knew who all the receivers were up there before and what I had to work with. So I was kind of ahead of my game already."
Coming from Florida, do you like snow?
"[Laughter] No, not really, but it's something I can adjust to. I can come and play in it. It's no problem. I can play in any type of weather. I've played in cold weather before. I was up here when they played the Colts couple of years ago in the playoffs. I was up here in the cold watching the game with a couple of friends of mine. It's something I could get used to. But it's a lot of fun, to go out there score a couple of touchdowns and makes some snow angels or something like that."
When you were coming in the league, did you ever say to yourself, 'I could play for that quarterback,' and if so, would Tom Brady be that type of guy?
"Yeah, Brady would be the perfect guy for that position. He has the great tangibles of being a great quarterback. He knows what he's doing. He's been in the game for a long time and I'd like to learn from him."
Some Florida receivers have struggled in the pros. What makes you maybe a little different from those guys?
"What makes me different is, I'm a guy that goes out there and works hard. You can talk to any of my old coaches, Coach Meyer, they will tell you that I'm a hard worker. I have great character and I'm willing to do what it takes to go out there and win."
Can you describe that 80-yard touchdown catch you had this year?
"Against Louisiana Tech, that was one of the deepest balls that I ever ran this whole year, so that worked out well for me. A nice 80-yarder, Chris [Leak] saw the field wide open and I just happened to be there."
Did you have an idea that maybe the Patriots would take you at 21?
"Yeah, when the clock started, I was just waiting on the phone call. I said, 'They're going to call me. They're going to call me. They're going to call me.' But it didn't turn out that way. But they got me in the second round and I like that phone call better because they said, 'We're going to trade up and hurry up and get you. We're going to get you.' I said, 'Okay, that's cool. I can handle that, so I can get some of the stress off of me.' It ended up working out well."
Are you happy the whole draft is behind you?
"I'm very happy right now. The whole process that I've been through since I came has been stressful. The combine and getting ready for that. People saying, 'Why did you come out early,' and all this other stuff. 'Did I make the right decision and those things. I'm just glad it's all over and I'm glad to just settle down and get ready to play football for the upcoming season."
Serenity Now
Footballguy
I believe Thomas also does some long snapping. A good long snapper is hard to find, so if he can do it, more power to him. And us.
I believe that Vinatieri signed as a UDFA, he wasn't drafted. But they did draft Owen Pochman.
I believe that Vinatieri signed as a UDFA, he wasn't drafted. But they did draft Owen Pochman.
nerangers
Footballguy
Just seeing where some of the UDFA players went that I was hoping the Pats might land:
OL Jai Lewis, George Mason - NY Giants
LB Spencer Havner, UCLA - Washington Redskins
LB Kai Parham, Virginia - Dallas Cowboys
TE Tim Day, Oregon - Chicago Bears
LB Oliver Hoyte, North Carolina State - Minnasota Vikings
OC Pat Ross, Boston College - Seattle Seahawks
WR Martin Nance - Buffalo Bills
CB Darrell Hunter - Arizona Cardinals
ILB Dale Robinson - Indianapolis Colts
Patriot Signings
QB Corey Bramlet, Wyoming
S Keon Jackson, Toledo
OT Randy Hand, Florida
S Jarvis Herring, Florida
CB Vernell Brown, Florida
WR Matt Shelton, Notre Dame
LB Corey Mays, Notre Dame
LB Freddie Roach, Alabama
Was checking out an article about top value and top reaches in the draft...the Pats made both lists!!
Value: Chad Jackson, WR, Florida New England Patriots Round Two (#36 Overall)
Reach: Stephen Gostkowski, K, Memphis New England Patriots Round Four (#118 Overall)
OL Jai Lewis, George Mason - NY Giants
LB Spencer Havner, UCLA - Washington Redskins
LB Kai Parham, Virginia - Dallas Cowboys
TE Tim Day, Oregon - Chicago Bears
LB Oliver Hoyte, North Carolina State - Minnasota Vikings
OC Pat Ross, Boston College - Seattle Seahawks
WR Martin Nance - Buffalo Bills
CB Darrell Hunter - Arizona Cardinals
ILB Dale Robinson - Indianapolis Colts
Patriot Signings
QB Corey Bramlet, Wyoming
S Keon Jackson, Toledo
OT Randy Hand, Florida
S Jarvis Herring, Florida
CB Vernell Brown, Florida
WR Matt Shelton, Notre Dame
LB Corey Mays, Notre Dame
LB Freddie Roach, Alabama
Was checking out an article about top value and top reaches in the draft...the Pats made both lists!!
Value: Chad Jackson, WR, Florida New England Patriots Round Two (#36 Overall)
Reach: Stephen Gostkowski, K, Memphis New England Patriots Round Four (#118 Overall)
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Boston
Footballguy
The whole Oliver Hoyte situation is pretty funny. There was a lot of pre-draft hype about how much the Pats loved him. He is hard nosed and very intelligent and fit the Patriot profile. The fact he played a position of need made him that much more attractive. Patriots.com was all over him as well thinking he'd be the steal of the draft. Than the draft comes and goes and they pass on him 10 times. Than they don't go after him as a free agent. Just another example of how no one outside of that organization knows what they'll do.
nerangers
Footballguy
Just looking to see how others think the Pats graded out this weekend:
USA TODAY grades the NFL Draft
****FOUR STARS**** Poised for marquee billing
New England Patriots
Laurence Maroney was Bill Belichick's pick as the draft's best running back after Reggie Bush and successor to Corey Dillon. Chad Jackson was thought by many to be the best wide receiver in the draft. More help for Tom Brady.
Grading the 2006 NFL draft (Nos. 9-16)
11. New England: Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney helped himself with a 4.46 40-yard dash after the Indy combine and well as 21 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press. The lone knock is that he's a runner, not a pass blocker or a receiver. Florida receiver Chad Jackson had the best speed at the position and he could replace departed David Givens. Texas TE Dave Thomas can also long snap while Stephen Gostkowski was a solid placekicker at Memphis with three field goals beyond 50 yards. But no one is saying he is Adam Vinatieri. Florida DE Jeremy Mincey ran a 4.65 40-yard dash for the Pats and some teams simply ignored him, allowing him to slip to the sixth round. Grade: B-
AFC draft report card
New England Patriots
High marks – The Patriots got good value from the bulk of this class, which is 10 deep. New England loaded up on offense, getting an eventual replacement for Corey Dillon in Laurence Maroney and stealing Chad Jackson in the second round. Tight end David Thomas can do some long snapping so there is extra value there, and Garrett Mills is a smart, multi-dimensional H-back type who can be used a lot of ways. In other words, he's a perfect fit for the Patriots.
Low marks – The Patriots were working on an "A" until they went five rounds without addressing any defensive needs. A lot of players on that side of the ball are getting long in the tooth – especially the linebacker corps. And the secondary is always rife with injuries, so it would have behooved New England to add a defensive back earlier than the seventh round. It was also a surprise to see the Patriots fail to draft a linebacker with such a strong and deep crop this season.
Final grade: B-plus
Looking back at the Draft
WHAT ELSE WE LIKED
NEW ENGLAND
Laurence Maroney is going to be a big-time NFL running back and Bill Belichick went against his drafting history to grab the Minnesota running back. Chad Jackson wasn't a first rounder in my opinion, but the Florida receiver had value in round 2 and Belichick and Scott Pioli went up to get him. Tight end Dave Thomas has great hands, he was Vince Young's go-to-guy at Texans, and he is a smart, Belichick type of player. Ryan O'Callaghan was a steal in round 5. The Cal tackle is also a perfect Belichick player. I couldn't believe he was on the board.
And after losing Adam Vinitieri, they had to grab Stephen Gostkowski, even as early as the 4th round. The Pats worked him out and loved him.
And of course, the Patriots played the draft like a fiddle and got a lot of extra bodies.
USA TODAY grades the NFL Draft
****FOUR STARS**** Poised for marquee billing
New England Patriots
Laurence Maroney was Bill Belichick's pick as the draft's best running back after Reggie Bush and successor to Corey Dillon. Chad Jackson was thought by many to be the best wide receiver in the draft. More help for Tom Brady.
Grading the 2006 NFL draft (Nos. 9-16)
11. New England: Minnesota running back Laurence Maroney helped himself with a 4.46 40-yard dash after the Indy combine and well as 21 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press. The lone knock is that he's a runner, not a pass blocker or a receiver. Florida receiver Chad Jackson had the best speed at the position and he could replace departed David Givens. Texas TE Dave Thomas can also long snap while Stephen Gostkowski was a solid placekicker at Memphis with three field goals beyond 50 yards. But no one is saying he is Adam Vinatieri. Florida DE Jeremy Mincey ran a 4.65 40-yard dash for the Pats and some teams simply ignored him, allowing him to slip to the sixth round. Grade: B-
AFC draft report card
New England Patriots
High marks – The Patriots got good value from the bulk of this class, which is 10 deep. New England loaded up on offense, getting an eventual replacement for Corey Dillon in Laurence Maroney and stealing Chad Jackson in the second round. Tight end David Thomas can do some long snapping so there is extra value there, and Garrett Mills is a smart, multi-dimensional H-back type who can be used a lot of ways. In other words, he's a perfect fit for the Patriots.
Low marks – The Patriots were working on an "A" until they went five rounds without addressing any defensive needs. A lot of players on that side of the ball are getting long in the tooth – especially the linebacker corps. And the secondary is always rife with injuries, so it would have behooved New England to add a defensive back earlier than the seventh round. It was also a surprise to see the Patriots fail to draft a linebacker with such a strong and deep crop this season.
Final grade: B-plus
Looking back at the Draft
WHAT ELSE WE LIKED
NEW ENGLAND
Laurence Maroney is going to be a big-time NFL running back and Bill Belichick went against his drafting history to grab the Minnesota running back. Chad Jackson wasn't a first rounder in my opinion, but the Florida receiver had value in round 2 and Belichick and Scott Pioli went up to get him. Tight end Dave Thomas has great hands, he was Vince Young's go-to-guy at Texans, and he is a smart, Belichick type of player. Ryan O'Callaghan was a steal in round 5. The Cal tackle is also a perfect Belichick player. I couldn't believe he was on the board.
And after losing Adam Vinitieri, they had to grab Stephen Gostkowski, even as early as the 4th round. The Pats worked him out and loved him.
And of course, the Patriots played the draft like a fiddle and got a lot of extra bodies.
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nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Team signs UDFA S. Smith
Mon, 1 May 2006 22:52:57 -0700
Andy Walter, of the Delaware State News, reports the New England Patriots have agreed to terms with undrafted rookie free agent LB/DB Sam Smith (Delaware State) on a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Patriots | Team signs UDFA E. Davis
Mon, 1 May 2006 22:40:32 -0700
Brett Hait, of the Nashville City Paper, reports the New England Patriots have agreed to terms with undrafted rookie free agent WR Erik Davis (Vanderbilt). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Cowboys | Team agrees with UDFA K. Parham
Mon, 1 May 2006 22:42:33 -0700
The Virginian-Pilot reports the Dallas Cowboys have agreed to a contract with undrafted rookie free agent LB Kai Parham (Virginia).
Patriots | Team interested in UDFA Eaton
Mon, 1 May 2006 21:05:30 -0700
KGMB9.com reports the New England Patriots are interested in undrafted rookie free agent OL Brandon Eaton (Hawaii).
Found him on one of the drafting lists as someone the Pats signed, but have not seen it anywhere else: OG Brian Barthelmes, Virginia
Signings so far:
WR Erik Davis, Vanderbilt
OG Brian Barthelmes, Virginia
QB Corey Bramlet, Wyoming
S Keon Jackson, Toledo
OT Randy Hand, Florida
S Jarvis Herring, Florida
CB Vernell Brown, Florida
WR Matt Shelton, Notre Dame
LB Corey Mays, Notre Dame
LB Freddie Roach, Alabama
Mon, 1 May 2006 22:52:57 -0700
Andy Walter, of the Delaware State News, reports the New England Patriots have agreed to terms with undrafted rookie free agent LB/DB Sam Smith (Delaware State) on a two-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Patriots | Team signs UDFA E. Davis
Mon, 1 May 2006 22:40:32 -0700
Brett Hait, of the Nashville City Paper, reports the New England Patriots have agreed to terms with undrafted rookie free agent WR Erik Davis (Vanderbilt). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Cowboys | Team agrees with UDFA K. Parham
Mon, 1 May 2006 22:42:33 -0700
The Virginian-Pilot reports the Dallas Cowboys have agreed to a contract with undrafted rookie free agent LB Kai Parham (Virginia).
Patriots | Team interested in UDFA Eaton
Mon, 1 May 2006 21:05:30 -0700
KGMB9.com reports the New England Patriots are interested in undrafted rookie free agent OL Brandon Eaton (Hawaii).
Found him on one of the drafting lists as someone the Pats signed, but have not seen it anywhere else: OG Brian Barthelmes, Virginia
Signings so far:
WR Erik Davis, Vanderbilt
OG Brian Barthelmes, Virginia
QB Corey Bramlet, Wyoming
S Keon Jackson, Toledo
OT Randy Hand, Florida
S Jarvis Herring, Florida
CB Vernell Brown, Florida
WR Matt Shelton, Notre Dame
LB Corey Mays, Notre Dame
LB Freddie Roach, Alabama
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nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Mincey projects as an outside linebacker
Mon, 1 May 2006 20:43:09 -0700
Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots rookie DE Jeremy Mincey projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. Mincey was selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft Sunday, April 30. New England is looking to fill the outside linebacker spot vacated when LB Willie McGinest signed with the Cleveland Browns.
Patriots | Patriots shun defense in the draft (edit: Full link to article: Patriots’ draft shuns defensive side
Mon, 1 May 2006 20:40:25 -0700
Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was unfazed by the team's minimal selections on defense in the NFL Draft. Belichick said taking a running back and receiver in the first and second round will always make your draft seem geared toward the offense. In fact, seven of their 10 picks were on the offensive side of the football including a kicker, and their first defensive pick was not until the sixth round. Belichick said the Patriots stuck to their board and with all the defensive players being picked so early; it left some good value on the other side of the ball.
Patriots | Jackson seems himself on the outside
Mon, 1 May 2006 20:22:23 -0700
Tom Casale, of Patriots.com, reports New England Patriots rookie WR Chad Jackson views himself as an outside receiver despite playing the slot last year at the University of Florida, "I think I'm more of an outside receiver because of my speed and big-play ability." Jackson caught 88 passes for 900 yards and nine touchdowns last year.
Mon, 1 May 2006 20:43:09 -0700
Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots rookie DE Jeremy Mincey projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. Mincey was selected in the sixth round of the NFL Draft Sunday, April 30. New England is looking to fill the outside linebacker spot vacated when LB Willie McGinest signed with the Cleveland Browns.
Patriots | Patriots shun defense in the draft (edit: Full link to article: Patriots’ draft shuns defensive side
Mon, 1 May 2006 20:40:25 -0700
Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was unfazed by the team's minimal selections on defense in the NFL Draft. Belichick said taking a running back and receiver in the first and second round will always make your draft seem geared toward the offense. In fact, seven of their 10 picks were on the offensive side of the football including a kicker, and their first defensive pick was not until the sixth round. Belichick said the Patriots stuck to their board and with all the defensive players being picked so early; it left some good value on the other side of the ball.
Patriots | Jackson seems himself on the outside
Mon, 1 May 2006 20:22:23 -0700
Tom Casale, of Patriots.com, reports New England Patriots rookie WR Chad Jackson views himself as an outside receiver despite playing the slot last year at the University of Florida, "I think I'm more of an outside receiver because of my speed and big-play ability." Jackson caught 88 passes for 900 yards and nine touchdowns last year.
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Boston
Footballguy
Ranger-Since you're the czar of info here I was wondering if you can dig up any offseason info on the following guys (i.e. what's going on with them this offseason or any BB quotes about their future):
Ryan Claridge
Eric Alexander
Bethel Johnson
Marquis Hill
Bam Childress
Thanks.
Ryan Claridge
Eric Alexander
Bethel Johnson
Marquis Hill
Bam Childress
Thanks.
the hairy scotsman
Footballguy
Great pick. An absolute steal at this spot.You guys are gonna love this kid...his hands, his speed, his routes, and most of all, his heart.
You Pats homers must be thrilled with your draft.
Exile
Footballguy
His receiving skills really impressed me in clips I've seen of him. And no surprise a Belichick/Pioli draftee has heart.
Can you talk about his blocking at all?ETA: And yeah, I'm pretty excited about our draft. I was a bit put off at first by the lack of defensive players, but the more I read about the players we got, the more I'm loving it.
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nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Flutie announcement to come this week
Tue, 2 May 2006 12:35:22 -0700
Jerome Solomon, of the Boston Globe, reports QB Doug Flutie will make his decision about whether or not to return to the New England Patriots for the 2006 season this week.
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA B. Barthelmes
Tue, 2 May 2006 11:32:44 -0700
The Daily Progress reports the New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with undrafted rookie free agent OL Brian Barthelmes (Virginia).
SIGNINGS:
FS Kyler Hall, Florida State
S/LB Sam Smith, Delaware State
LB Pierre Woods, Michigan
WR Erik Davis, Vanderbilt
OG Brian Barthelmes, Virginia
QB Corey Bramlet, Wyoming
S Keon Jackson, Toledo
OT Randy Hand, Florida
S Jarvis Herring, Florida
CB Vernell Brown, Florida
WR Matt Shelton, Notre Dame
LB Corey Mays, Notre Dame
LB Freddie Roach, Alabama
Tue, 2 May 2006 12:35:22 -0700
Jerome Solomon, of the Boston Globe, reports QB Doug Flutie will make his decision about whether or not to return to the New England Patriots for the 2006 season this week.
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA B. Barthelmes
Tue, 2 May 2006 11:32:44 -0700
The Daily Progress reports the New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with undrafted rookie free agent OL Brian Barthelmes (Virginia).
SIGNINGS:
FS Kyler Hall, Florida State
S/LB Sam Smith, Delaware State
LB Pierre Woods, Michigan
WR Erik Davis, Vanderbilt
OG Brian Barthelmes, Virginia
QB Corey Bramlet, Wyoming
S Keon Jackson, Toledo
OT Randy Hand, Florida
S Jarvis Herring, Florida
CB Vernell Brown, Florida
WR Matt Shelton, Notre Dame
LB Corey Mays, Notre Dame
LB Freddie Roach, Alabama
nerangers
Footballguy
Came across this article...mentions some of them (Ryan Claridge and Bam Childress):What do we know about the condition of Ryan Claridge? Everything I’ve read about him indicates he was a high character guy and a smart player in college. Seems like he’d be a good fit in the OLB rotation in New England if that translates to fundamental situational football and if his health is up to speed. He’s kind of like a “stealth” draft pick, but with a year of learning the system from the trainer’s room under his belt.
Andrew Avery
Actually, we don’t know too much about at all Claridge. We know he was placed on IR with a shoulder injury last year, but then we barely saw him again the rest of the season. He spent very little time in the trainer’s room that you’re talking about so I’m really not sure how much of the system he picked up since he wasn’t here going to meetings and such. I would expect him to be fighting for a job this summer, much like all of the current draft choices and young players. But to suggest he’s anything more than your run-of-the-mill fifth-round pick at this point would be inaccurate based on what we know.
Paul Perillo
I got the chance to watch Bam Childress play in the preseason, and I thought he looked great. I was really excited to see him play in the finale as well. I thought he played well, hauling in three grabs for 32. Plus, he played well at defensive back. This guy has got determination, versatility, and some raw talent, any chance he could be a big time contributor?
Greg Knopping
I happen to like Bam Childress too, Greg. But I just don’t see him as much more than he already is. He overcame long odds just to hang around as long as he did last year, spending most of the season on the practice squad before getting activated late. He’s a high motor receiver who caught most everything thrown in his direction during the summer. Another camp like that will make it difficult for Belichick to get rid of him, especially with such a thin group of receivers – even with the addition of Chad Jackson in the draft. But in terms of long-term career, I don’t see Childress, at his size, emerging as much more than he is.
Paul Perillo
Given the picks in the 4th round, do you think Bill has something in mind at the linebacker position that no one knows about? I have to think either Beisel is better than we’ve seen so far or possibly a trade in the works.
Paul Tomlinson
I really couldn’t tell you, Paul. I was surprised by the Garrett Mills pick – not because I don’t think he’s a good player because I do – but because I feel he’s very similar to David Thomas. I know Mills can play different spots, but his skill set, regardless of position, still seems to close to Thomas’ to warrant such a high selection. But evidently after the top linebackers were off the board Belichick didn’t feel like the mid-round prospect represented value. I’m sure he didn’t look at some linebackers he felt could help the team in the middle of the draft and chose to instead look elsewhere. Maybe Donnie Edwards (rumored to be on the trading block in San Diego) is in the plans, and/or maybe they feel Beisel will be that much better in his second year and now playing alongside Bruschi. It’s difficult to say for sure, but I can understand the Patriots not taking linebackers just for the sake of taking linebackers. Now, if Bobby Carpenter were available at 21, it would have been very interesting to see what Bill would have done. Unfortunately, we’ll probably never know.
Paul Perillo
OK, Do the Patriots really feel good about their linebacker corps, specifically their backup/developing linebackers like Tully and Beisel? Did I miss it in the Day 2 draft, were Hoyte and Robinson both taken before any of the Patriots 5th - 6th - and 7th round draft picks. And did we really need to go after 2 tight ends and not 1 single linebacker? and 2 DTs? Value smalue... sometimes you do need to feel a need.
Darius Dempsey
Let the linebacker analysis hit full stride! Like I said to Paul, it would appear as if the Patriots didn’t feel the mid-round prospects at linebacker were all that good. Belichick said before the draft that he felt, overall, that linebackers were pretty good in this draft. But guys like Greenway, Hawk, Carpenter, etc. weren’t available in the first round when the Pats picked. So rather than take the fifth or sixth best LB available, the Pats filled another glaring need and took the second best RB on the board. And I think the same holds true for WR at the top of the second round. Jackson was the second receiver taken while LBs continued to fall off the board. Once the draft hit the middle rounds, evidently Belichick didn’t feel the players left at that position were worth taking. And since Hoyte and Robinson weren’t drafted at all, I guess the rest of the league agreed with Bill. And the Patriots only took one DT – Le Kevin Smith. Jeremy Mincey played DE in college and will try to win a job playing OLB this summer with the Pats.
Paul Perillo
What can you guys tell us about the linebacker situation? Was the plan to allow Hoyte to fall out of the draft and then make him a priority free agent, or are the Patriots going to fill their linebacker-roster spots with Mincey and in-house talent? Perhaps a training camp competition between Mincey and Banta-Cain?
Chris Brownlee
And the beat goes on. Again, since Hoyte wasn’t drafted evidently 32 teams didn’t think he was as good as our resident experts Tom Casale and Andy Hart did. No big surprise there. You send them to the Combine and they come back wearing whistles around their necks carrying clipboards and stopwatches. I guess they still have a lot to learn. Anyway, there will certainly be some competition between guys like Mincey and Banta-Cain – and no doubt some others.
Paul Perillo
Do you guys really work in the Pats organization/subsidiary? After comparing whom the Pats actually drafted with all your mock predictions for Day 1 as well as your Day 2 suggestions, you weren’t in the same ballpark. I guess the PFW staff must actually be affiliated with the Revs. I expected a bit more insight from you on the “thinking” of the Pats draft war room.
Joe Ditato
Sorry Joe, didn’t know you were Mel Kiper Jr. This email is so ignorant I just felt I had to put it in just to embarrass you. First of all, the guy PFW liked for the Patriots at No. 21, Bobby Carpenter, went to Dallas three picks before they could take him. Maybe they would have passed on him, maybe not. We’ll never know. Second, we said from the start that running back was a priority need for the Pats and Maroney and DeAngelo Williams were our two top choices (after Reggie Bush). Lo and behold, the Pats took Maroney. And by the way, we also felt Chad Jackson was a possibility at 21 depending on who was available. Belichick said they contemplated taking him at 21 but chose to wait and traded up for him at 36. So maybe, even though we didn’t accurately predict everything that happened in the draft, just like absolutely every other draft prognosticator in the country, we did have an idea of some of the things the Patriots eventually did. I don’t know what ballpark you live in, but thanks for the kind words anyway, Joe.
Paul Perillo
Thanks for all your coverage on the draft. It was very informing for us Patriots fans who don't follow college football that closely. I thought Day 1 of the draft was outstanding! But after day 2 of the draft, we still are hurting at the linebacker position. Because of the lack of depth at linebacker can you see the Patriots shifting their base defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3?
Ed Enman
Thanks Ed, I guess not everyone shared Joe’s opinion. As for the 4-3/3-4, I think the Pats system will stay the same, meaning Belichick always like to have the flexibility to play both. Yes, the LB depth appears thin, but if they switched to the 4-3 then the DL depth wouldn’t be that great either. We’ll see plenty of 3- and 4-man fronts this year to be sure.
Paul Perillo
First of all, another fantastic draft by Bill and Scott. With the addition of Maroney, Jackson and Thomas, the offense looks like it could be something special. Brady has to be a happy camper today. Since the team did not really address its defensive needs, most importantly linebacker, do you see an expanded role for Tully-Banta-Cain this year? He’s a good pass rusher and seems like a guy that, after a few seasons transitioning to linebacker, may be able to take over for Willie on the outside. What are your thoughts on the 4th linebacker?
Pat Yegian
I think Banta-Cain will get the chance to compete for a more prominent role. I also think Beisel could be the starter inside next to Bruschi while Mike Vrabel moves back to his outside spot. I think this starting four would actually be OK, but my concern would be depth if and when injuries creep in. Beisel wasn’t quite the train wreck he was made out to be last year. He didn’t play that well and he certainly didn’t handle the off-field part of things very well, but he improved late in the year in a limited role and could be a much better player with another year in the system.
Paul Perillo
De-fence. Get it? God, I slay me. To my question: Loved the draft, but clearly it sorted out as offense all the way. Now I’m not a big fan of drafting on "need" over best value, and from the looks of things, neither are the Pats brain trust. My question is whether this might - MIGHT - be an indication of confidence in the rookie campaign of Hobbs, the progress of Samuel, and the prospective rebounding of Eugene Wilson (plus Gay and Reid.) And that’s just the defensive backs - might this also be some small vote of confidence for the Claridges and the Banta-Cains of the world? I know, I know, we still have the rest of free agency, the June 1 cuts to sort through, and Eric Warfield to consider - but is it a possibility that there are tea leaves to be read here?
Dan Halberstein
I think people will start to read into things like you have and ultimately wind up missing the point. By not selecting a linebacker in the first round, Belichick is not saying that Ryan Claridge is ready to step in. He’s simply saying he didn’t feel a linebacker was worthy of being selected over Laurence Maroney. For all we know Belichick could be scared to death of the prospect of having Banta-Cain in the starting lineup. Or maybe he feels TBC is ready to go. But unless he felt there was a linebacker with the potential to step in and make an impact why would he just take one for the sake of taking one? Like I’ve said before, if Bobby Carpenter was available and he took Maroney instead, then maybe we could debate the merits of the pick. But five or six LBs deep as compared to one RB … I’ll take the RB every time if those are my two choices.
Paul Perillo
Do you think that the drafting of Dave Thomas and Garret Mills could mean that Daniel Graham is gone next year? Also did anyone draft Oliver Hoyte?
Paul Gallant
First, no one draft Oliver Hoyte despite the constant pleas of Casale and Hart. Second, and more importantly, the TE situation could indeed have ramifications beyond this year. Graham’s contract is up after 2006 and with Thomas and maybe even Mills around that could give the Patriots some added leverage in their negotiations. If Thomas can play, it would make Graham’s potential loss a little more bearable.
Paul Perillo
Well just wanted to know, what did the Pats get out of the deal trading a pick in the 5th round to the Browns?
John Pimental
Actually, not much. The Pats got wide receiver Andre’ Davis last summer and, unfortunately, Davis got hurt and didn’t contribute much with the exception of one big catch for a touchdown against New Orleans. Then he left this winter as a free agent.
Paul Perillo
So, when you look at the Pats two first picks, RB and WR, you start to see that their offensive picks were also defensive. Lots of people had the Colts picking Maroney, and the Pats obviously had him rated really high. When they asked Maroney whose style of play is close to his, he answered Edgerrin James of course. With a lack of good running talent in the draft after the first few guys, the Pats dealt a blow by subtraction to the Colts who were forced to take Addai - a good back who only started his senior year because someone in front of him got hurt and he's also had injuries. You could make a case the Pats did the same by taking Chad Jackson - they made the move up in the draft to get to 36 before (I think) Denver was picking at 37 - they took Denver's pick (Chad Jackson) and Denver's hand was forced to trade that pick for Javon Walker. Not that Walker is a lesser talent by any means, but we did throw a wrench into their draft plans. Did I also mention that Denver was the only other team that really heavily scouted Laurence Maroney and Shanahan is really high on him? So am I misreading all of this? And if not, why haven't the local media put it together to talk about it? Have you seen it discussed? Or even the ESPN draft coverage? Isn't this the 'game-within-the-game' that they're supposed to be enlightening us about? Am I way off base here?
TS
I think you’re points are fair when considering the trickle down effect, but to suggest the Patriots “planned” on this is a bit of a stretch. The Patriots took Maroney because they felt he was a good player, not because they wanted to keep him away from the Colts. That’s just an added bonus. Same with Jackson. If Corey Dillon were 25 and coming off his 2004 campaign, Belichick wouldn’t have taken Maroney simply to keep him from becoming a Colt. That wouldn’t be very wise. So while your points are probably true to an extent, I really don’t believe they played a very big role in the choices.
Paul Perillo
Allow me a question on the draft. I think that Patriots have accomplished their goal of drafting "value" this year. I admire their move up to get a quality WR. My question is, why Pats for the 2d year in a row did not make a similar move to get CB in round 1. Last year, they let M. Jackson to be drafted by their chief rivals Colts helping them secure 1st seed. This year, they did not pursue T. Hill, who could have been T. Law. Maroney is badly needed to help out Dillon, but I think T. Hill would have been even a greater value. What do you think?
Adam
Tye Hill was gone before the Patriots picked. I’m not sure if they tried to trade up to get him, but maybe the price to do so was too high. Again, maybe they had no interest in him at all, but my guess is they did and simply couldn’t get him.
Paul Perillo
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Boston
Footballguy
Saw a piece of info in the Boston Herald for Patriot fans to tuck away...
It seems BB and Urban Meyer have become good buddies. So we may have our new pipeline replacing Saban/LSU. The Pats drafted two Gators (Jackson/Mincey) and signed a few more as undrafted free agents. Hopefully we can dig up another Randall Gay out of Gainesville.
It seems BB and Urban Meyer have become good buddies. So we may have our new pipeline replacing Saban/LSU. The Pats drafted two Gators (Jackson/Mincey) and signed a few more as undrafted free agents. Hopefully we can dig up another Randall Gay out of Gainesville.
nerangers
Footballguy
Coaching count (from Boston.com)
The importance of good coaching can’t be undersold in today’s NFL, and the quality of the Patriots’ staff is considered strong in many NFL corners.
It’s also small.
In fact, the Patriots’ coaching staff is the smallest in the NFL -- with just 11 position-specific coaches -- according to the rosters listed on each team’s web site on NFL.com. The teams with the most assistant coaches are the Jaguars and Ravens, with 17 each.
The Patriots’ staff looks like this:
Head coach Bill Belichick
Offense
Josh McDaniels -- coordinator
Brian Daboll -- receivers
Ivan Fears -- running backs
Pete Mangurian -- tight ends
Dante Scarnecchia -- offensive line
Defense
Dean Pees -- coordinator
Pepper Johnson -- defensive line
Matt Patricia -- linebackers
Joel Collier -- secondary
Special teams
Brad Seely
The Patriots’ philosophy appears to be that less means more. One line of thinking is that Bill Belichick is more involved with day-to-day Xs and Os than some other head coaches, so that lessens the need for more assistants.
Belichick was asked about additions to his coaching staff, specifically on defense, on Sunday. His response was that he doesn’t anticipate any new hirings and that he’s confident with the current makeup of the staff.
Every NFL staff is constructed differently -- many teams have multiple assistants at one position -- but the general line of command is:
* Head coach
* Coordinator
* Position coach
* Offensive/defensive assistant
* Quality control coach
The following is a breakdown of the NFL and the number of coaches on each staff. There is some gray area because some teams mix their offensive/defensive assistants and quality control coaches in with other position-specific responsibilities. This breakdown includes head coaches, coordinators and position-specific coaches (including special teams):
AFC East:
Bills -- 15
Dolphins -- 15
Jets -- 14
Patriots -- 11
AFC North:
Ravens –- 17
Bengals –- 13
Browns –- 13
Steelers –- 13
AFC South:
Texans –- 14
Colts –- 13
Jaguars –- 17
Titans –- 13
AFC West:
Broncos -- 15
Chiefs -- 13
Raiders -- 16
Chargers -- 14
NFC East:
Cowboys -- 13
Giants -- 14
Eagles -- 14
Redskins -- 15
NFC North:
Bears -- 14
Lions -- 14
Packers -- 16
Vikings -- 14
NFC South:
Falcons -- 14
Panthers -- 14
Saints -- 15
Buccaneers -- 13
NFC West:
Cardinals -- 12
Rams -- 15
49ers -- 16
Seahawks -- 13
The importance of good coaching can’t be undersold in today’s NFL, and the quality of the Patriots’ staff is considered strong in many NFL corners.
It’s also small.
In fact, the Patriots’ coaching staff is the smallest in the NFL -- with just 11 position-specific coaches -- according to the rosters listed on each team’s web site on NFL.com. The teams with the most assistant coaches are the Jaguars and Ravens, with 17 each.
The Patriots’ staff looks like this:
Head coach Bill Belichick
Offense
Josh McDaniels -- coordinator
Brian Daboll -- receivers
Ivan Fears -- running backs
Pete Mangurian -- tight ends
Dante Scarnecchia -- offensive line
Defense
Dean Pees -- coordinator
Pepper Johnson -- defensive line
Matt Patricia -- linebackers
Joel Collier -- secondary
Special teams
Brad Seely
The Patriots’ philosophy appears to be that less means more. One line of thinking is that Bill Belichick is more involved with day-to-day Xs and Os than some other head coaches, so that lessens the need for more assistants.
Belichick was asked about additions to his coaching staff, specifically on defense, on Sunday. His response was that he doesn’t anticipate any new hirings and that he’s confident with the current makeup of the staff.
Every NFL staff is constructed differently -- many teams have multiple assistants at one position -- but the general line of command is:
* Head coach
* Coordinator
* Position coach
* Offensive/defensive assistant
* Quality control coach
The following is a breakdown of the NFL and the number of coaches on each staff. There is some gray area because some teams mix their offensive/defensive assistants and quality control coaches in with other position-specific responsibilities. This breakdown includes head coaches, coordinators and position-specific coaches (including special teams):
AFC East:
Bills -- 15
Dolphins -- 15
Jets -- 14
Patriots -- 11
AFC North:
Ravens –- 17
Bengals –- 13
Browns –- 13
Steelers –- 13
AFC South:
Texans –- 14
Colts –- 13
Jaguars –- 17
Titans –- 13
AFC West:
Broncos -- 15
Chiefs -- 13
Raiders -- 16
Chargers -- 14
NFC East:
Cowboys -- 13
Giants -- 14
Eagles -- 14
Redskins -- 15
NFC North:
Bears -- 14
Lions -- 14
Packers -- 16
Vikings -- 14
NFC South:
Falcons -- 14
Panthers -- 14
Saints -- 15
Buccaneers -- 13
NFC West:
Cardinals -- 12
Rams -- 15
49ers -- 16
Seahawks -- 13
nerangers
Footballguy
Patriots | Team has potential sleeper in G. Mills
Tue, 2 May 2006 22:14:32 -0700
John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots TE Garrett Mills might have the most sleeper potential of all the Patriots' draft picks. Mills can play fullback, H-back and anywhere else that requires pass-catching ability, but might be undersized for a tight end. Central Florida coach George O'Leary said, "He can hurt you in a lot of ways coming out of the backfield. He has a great knack of finding voids in the cover age and getting off the coverage. He's got enough size to put a block on someone. And the kid has great hands. He catches everything thrown at him." Mills holds the NCAA record for receiving yards by a tight end with 1,235 yards. Tulsa coach Steve Kragthorpe added, "We could yell out to change a blocking scheme and Garrett took care of it. Some guys might have to come to the sideline or wait until halftime in the locker room to work it out. With Garrett, we could literally implement scheme changes within the series."
Tue, 2 May 2006 22:14:32 -0700
John Tomase, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots TE Garrett Mills might have the most sleeper potential of all the Patriots' draft picks. Mills can play fullback, H-back and anywhere else that requires pass-catching ability, but might be undersized for a tight end. Central Florida coach George O'Leary said, "He can hurt you in a lot of ways coming out of the backfield. He has a great knack of finding voids in the cover age and getting off the coverage. He's got enough size to put a block on someone. And the kid has great hands. He catches everything thrown at him." Mills holds the NCAA record for receiving yards by a tight end with 1,235 yards. Tulsa coach Steve Kragthorpe added, "We could yell out to change a blocking scheme and Garrett took care of it. Some guys might have to come to the sideline or wait until halftime in the locker room to work it out. With Garrett, we could literally implement scheme changes within the series."
nerangers
Footballguy
We have heard alot about the top three picks the Pats made...here are the other guys...A rundown of Patriots draft choices (rounds 4-7): from boston.com
GARRETT MILLS, FB, Tulsa, 6-1, 232 pounds, fourth round (106th overall): Set an NCAA season record for yards receiving by a tight end with 1,235 last year when he led the nation's tight ends with 87 catches . . . Considered too small to play tight end in the NFL so is expected to be tried at fullback with the Patriots . . . Had 201 catches for 23 touchdowns in four college seasons, a sign he could develop into an effective receiver out of the backfield, but he must work on his blocking . . . Consistently finds the clearing in the defense and makes the reception in stride . . . He had eight 100-plus-yard receiving games and 40 consecutive games with a catch.
STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI, K, Memphis, 6-1, 214 pounds, fourth round (118th overall): The Patriots drafted just their second kicker in 13 years . . . Gostkowski missed just one of 128 extra-point kicks the past three seasons . . . Last season went 10 for 10 on field goals from 40 yards and beyond, including three of at least 50 yards. The longest was a 53-yarder . . . Missed just seven of 49 field goals the past two years . . . Holds Conference USA record for most career field goals (70) and extra points (159) . . . Holds the top three spots on the Tigers' single-season scoring list with 101 in 2003, 108 in 2004, and 101 in 2005.
RYAN O'CALLAGHAN, OT, California, 6-7, 344 pounds, fifth round (136th overall): The key to an offensive line that had a 2,000-yard rusher in 2004 and two 1,000-yard rushers in 2005 . . . Also can play guard and appears healthy after a college career in which he broke his left hand and had surgery on both shoulders. Missed one game last year with a concussion . . . Played very well at the Senior Bowl and can be a dominant run blocker . . . Shows strength to move defenders with leg drive . . . Slow to change direction and could struggle with speed of NFL defenders.
JEREMY MINCEY, DE-LB, Florida, 6-3, 259 pounds, sixth round (191st overall): A strong pass rusher, could move to outside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 defense . . . He had 62 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, 7 QB hurries, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery as a senior when he started all 12 games . . . Had a good game at the Hula Bowl with three sacks . . . High-effort, high-energy player who chases down the line to make plays, but sometimes overpursues . . . Shows ability to power rush . . . Struggles to anchor against the run.
DAN STEVENSON, G, Notre Dame, 6-5, 300 pounds, sixth round (205th overall): Not especially big for an offensive lineman but rarely makes mistakes . . . Started 34 consecutive games the past three seasons . . . Started at right guard as a senior for an offense that averaged 36.7 points and 147.1 yards rushing per game . . . Has sound technique . . . Has played guard and tackle . . . Doesn't have great athletic ability, and has trouble adjusting or handling movement to either side . . . Studies and works hard to get better.
LE KEVIN SMITH, DT, Nebraska, 6-2, 316 pounds, sixth round (206th overall): Smith had 43 tackles, 6 sacks, and 1 interception last season when he started 12 games . . . Quick off the ball but must improve his effort and technique to be a productive pro . . . Finished career at Nebraska with 36 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, seventh-best total by a Cornhusker . . . Showed improvement as a senior . . . Has quickness and power to fight off blocks and get to the ball . . . Average pass-rush ability and his effort fluctuates from series to series.
WILLIE ANDREWS, DB, Baylor, 5-10, 193 pounds, seventh round (229th overall): Started 10 games last year and had two sacks . . . In 2004, had three sacks and also returned 30 kickoffs and 41 punts . . . Finished his career as Baylor's all-time leader in yardage for punt returns (949) and kickoff returns (1,647) but had no TDs . . . Played 11 games at safety in 2005, although he lacks size to play that position in the NFL . . . Fills hard in run support and plays under control . . . Covers inside receivers in nickel situations and is quick to close.
GARRETT MILLS, FB, Tulsa, 6-1, 232 pounds, fourth round (106th overall): Set an NCAA season record for yards receiving by a tight end with 1,235 last year when he led the nation's tight ends with 87 catches . . . Considered too small to play tight end in the NFL so is expected to be tried at fullback with the Patriots . . . Had 201 catches for 23 touchdowns in four college seasons, a sign he could develop into an effective receiver out of the backfield, but he must work on his blocking . . . Consistently finds the clearing in the defense and makes the reception in stride . . . He had eight 100-plus-yard receiving games and 40 consecutive games with a catch.
STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI, K, Memphis, 6-1, 214 pounds, fourth round (118th overall): The Patriots drafted just their second kicker in 13 years . . . Gostkowski missed just one of 128 extra-point kicks the past three seasons . . . Last season went 10 for 10 on field goals from 40 yards and beyond, including three of at least 50 yards. The longest was a 53-yarder . . . Missed just seven of 49 field goals the past two years . . . Holds Conference USA record for most career field goals (70) and extra points (159) . . . Holds the top three spots on the Tigers' single-season scoring list with 101 in 2003, 108 in 2004, and 101 in 2005.
RYAN O'CALLAGHAN, OT, California, 6-7, 344 pounds, fifth round (136th overall): The key to an offensive line that had a 2,000-yard rusher in 2004 and two 1,000-yard rushers in 2005 . . . Also can play guard and appears healthy after a college career in which he broke his left hand and had surgery on both shoulders. Missed one game last year with a concussion . . . Played very well at the Senior Bowl and can be a dominant run blocker . . . Shows strength to move defenders with leg drive . . . Slow to change direction and could struggle with speed of NFL defenders.
JEREMY MINCEY, DE-LB, Florida, 6-3, 259 pounds, sixth round (191st overall): A strong pass rusher, could move to outside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 defense . . . He had 62 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, 7 QB hurries, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery as a senior when he started all 12 games . . . Had a good game at the Hula Bowl with three sacks . . . High-effort, high-energy player who chases down the line to make plays, but sometimes overpursues . . . Shows ability to power rush . . . Struggles to anchor against the run.
DAN STEVENSON, G, Notre Dame, 6-5, 300 pounds, sixth round (205th overall): Not especially big for an offensive lineman but rarely makes mistakes . . . Started 34 consecutive games the past three seasons . . . Started at right guard as a senior for an offense that averaged 36.7 points and 147.1 yards rushing per game . . . Has sound technique . . . Has played guard and tackle . . . Doesn't have great athletic ability, and has trouble adjusting or handling movement to either side . . . Studies and works hard to get better.
LE KEVIN SMITH, DT, Nebraska, 6-2, 316 pounds, sixth round (206th overall): Smith had 43 tackles, 6 sacks, and 1 interception last season when he started 12 games . . . Quick off the ball but must improve his effort and technique to be a productive pro . . . Finished career at Nebraska with 36 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, seventh-best total by a Cornhusker . . . Showed improvement as a senior . . . Has quickness and power to fight off blocks and get to the ball . . . Average pass-rush ability and his effort fluctuates from series to series.
WILLIE ANDREWS, DB, Baylor, 5-10, 193 pounds, seventh round (229th overall): Started 10 games last year and had two sacks . . . In 2004, had three sacks and also returned 30 kickoffs and 41 punts . . . Finished his career as Baylor's all-time leader in yardage for punt returns (949) and kickoff returns (1,647) but had no TDs . . . Played 11 games at safety in 2005, although he lacks size to play that position in the NFL . . . Fills hard in run support and plays under control . . . Covers inside receivers in nickel situations and is quick to close.
nerangers
Footballguy
I know we are all keeping an eye on Ty Law...
Buccaneers | T. Law likely to visit next week
Wed, 3 May 2006 18:21:59 -0700
Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports free agent CB Ty Law (Jets) is likely to visit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, according to his agent Carl Poston who told Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo Wednesday, May 3.
Titans | Team to visit with T. Law
Wed, 3 May 2006 06:29:56 -0700
Jim Wyatt, of the Tennessean, reports free agent CB Ty Law (Jets) will visit with the Tennessee Titans sometime next week. "What we'll do is bring him in, give him a physical and let him visit with the coaches and see exactly where we are,'' Titans' general manager Floyd Reese said. "I don't know what our chances might be (of signing Law), but it's worth an attempt. We'll spend some time with him and see.'' Law has a big price tag, however, and right now the Titans don't have much money to work with. They could free up at cap money by releasing or trading QB Steve McNair. If the Titans can't sign Law, Reese said, the Titans still plan
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA G. Williams
Wed, 3 May 2006 13:58:34 -0700
The Buffalo News reports the New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with undrafted free agent DB Gemara Williams (University of Buffalo)
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA J. Herring
Wed, 3 May 2006 10:58:09 -0700
The Boston Globe reports the New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with undrafted rookie free agent S Jarvis Herring (Florida).
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA C. Bramlet
Wed, 3 May 2006 10:55:26 -0700
The Boston Globe reports the New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with undrafted rookie free agent QB Corey Bramlet (Wyoming).
Patriots | Mills likely to be used like Cooley
Wed, 3 May 2006 09:12:54 -0700
Tom Casale, of Patriots.com, reports New England Patriots TE Garrett Mills has done just about anything that can be done on a football field. Mills has played tight end, fullback, halfback and special teams extensively. He's even filled in at long-snapper and as a punt returner. Its not likely that he'll be given those duties in the NFL, but Tulsa tight end coach Mike Wells likens Mills to Washington Redskins all-purpose pass catcher, TE/FB Chris Cooley.
Patriots | Maroney to play at 215
Wed, 3 May 2006 09:04:08 -0700
Jerome Solomon, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots rookie RB Laurence Maroney weighed 217 pounds at the NFL combine, but was listed at 205 during much of his college career at Minnesota. Maroney said he played at 210 at Minnesota and will probably try to be around 215 in the NFL. He added that he is not concerned about facing punishing hitters. "I'd say I'm in the same position once again coming in as in high school to college," said Maroney. "The hits the first couple of times are going to hurt, you're going to feel them, you're going to see the difference. But your body is going to get used to it real quick. So after the first couple of hits, I'll be all right."
DB Gemara Williams, Buffalo
FS Kyler Hall, Florida State
S/LB Sam Smith, Delaware State
LB Pierre Woods, Michigan
WR Erik Davis, Vanderbilt
OG Brian Barthelmes, Virginia
QB Corey Bramlet, Wyoming
S Keon Jackson, Toledo
OT Randy Hand, Florida
S Jarvis Herring, Florida
CB Vernell Brown, Florida
WR Matt Shelton, Notre Dame
LB Corey Mays, Notre Dame
LB Freddie Roach, Alabama
Buccaneers | T. Law likely to visit next week
Wed, 3 May 2006 18:21:59 -0700
Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports free agent CB Ty Law (Jets) is likely to visit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, according to his agent Carl Poston who told Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo Wednesday, May 3.
Titans | Team to visit with T. Law
Wed, 3 May 2006 06:29:56 -0700
Jim Wyatt, of the Tennessean, reports free agent CB Ty Law (Jets) will visit with the Tennessee Titans sometime next week. "What we'll do is bring him in, give him a physical and let him visit with the coaches and see exactly where we are,'' Titans' general manager Floyd Reese said. "I don't know what our chances might be (of signing Law), but it's worth an attempt. We'll spend some time with him and see.'' Law has a big price tag, however, and right now the Titans don't have much money to work with. They could free up at cap money by releasing or trading QB Steve McNair. If the Titans can't sign Law, Reese said, the Titans still plan
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA G. Williams
Wed, 3 May 2006 13:58:34 -0700
The Buffalo News reports the New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with undrafted free agent DB Gemara Williams (University of Buffalo)
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA J. Herring
Wed, 3 May 2006 10:58:09 -0700
The Boston Globe reports the New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with undrafted rookie free agent S Jarvis Herring (Florida).
Patriots | Team agrees with UDFA C. Bramlet
Wed, 3 May 2006 10:55:26 -0700
The Boston Globe reports the New England Patriots have agreed to a contract with undrafted rookie free agent QB Corey Bramlet (Wyoming).
Patriots | Mills likely to be used like Cooley
Wed, 3 May 2006 09:12:54 -0700
Tom Casale, of Patriots.com, reports New England Patriots TE Garrett Mills has done just about anything that can be done on a football field. Mills has played tight end, fullback, halfback and special teams extensively. He's even filled in at long-snapper and as a punt returner. Its not likely that he'll be given those duties in the NFL, but Tulsa tight end coach Mike Wells likens Mills to Washington Redskins all-purpose pass catcher, TE/FB Chris Cooley.
Patriots | Maroney to play at 215
Wed, 3 May 2006 09:04:08 -0700
Jerome Solomon, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots rookie RB Laurence Maroney weighed 217 pounds at the NFL combine, but was listed at 205 during much of his college career at Minnesota. Maroney said he played at 210 at Minnesota and will probably try to be around 215 in the NFL. He added that he is not concerned about facing punishing hitters. "I'd say I'm in the same position once again coming in as in high school to college," said Maroney. "The hits the first couple of times are going to hurt, you're going to feel them, you're going to see the difference. But your body is going to get used to it real quick. So after the first couple of hits, I'll be all right."
DB Gemara Williams, Buffalo
FS Kyler Hall, Florida State
S/LB Sam Smith, Delaware State
LB Pierre Woods, Michigan
WR Erik Davis, Vanderbilt
OG Brian Barthelmes, Virginia
QB Corey Bramlet, Wyoming
S Keon Jackson, Toledo
OT Randy Hand, Florida
S Jarvis Herring, Florida
CB Vernell Brown, Florida
WR Matt Shelton, Notre Dame
LB Corey Mays, Notre Dame
LB Freddie Roach, Alabama
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nerangers
Footballguy
Links to check out new players - from boston.com (almost didn't do this one since it was such a pain to redo all of the links since they did not cut/paste. Hope there is something good in them. 
Quarterback Corey Bramlet (Wyoming)
Defensive back Keon Jackson (Toledo)
Safety/linebacker Sam Smith (Delaware State)
Cornerback/kick returner Vernell Brown (Florida)
Offensive tackle Randy Hand (Florida)
Safety Jarvis Herring (Florida)
Defensive back Gemara Williams (Buffalo)
Wide receiver Erik Davis (Vanderbilt)
Offensive guard Brian Barthelmes (Virginia)
Linebacker Freddie Roach (Alabama)
Linebacker Corey Mays (Notre Dame)
Wide receiver Matt Shelton (Notre Dame)
Linebacker Pierre Woods (Michigan)
Quarterback Corey Bramlet (Wyoming)
Defensive back Keon Jackson (Toledo)
Safety/linebacker Sam Smith (Delaware State)
Cornerback/kick returner Vernell Brown (Florida)
Offensive tackle Randy Hand (Florida)
Safety Jarvis Herring (Florida)
Defensive back Gemara Williams (Buffalo)
Wide receiver Erik Davis (Vanderbilt)
Offensive guard Brian Barthelmes (Virginia)
Linebacker Freddie Roach (Alabama)
Linebacker Corey Mays (Notre Dame)
Wide receiver Matt Shelton (Notre Dame)
Linebacker Pierre Woods (Michigan)
Last edited by a moderator:
nerangers
Footballguy
Garrett Mills: Mr. Versatility (full article)
The Patriots surprised a lot of people when they selected Garrett Mills in the fourth round of this year's draft. Some questioned why New England would take a tight end with back-to-back picks. However, looking closer at Mills, it's obvious he's much more than just a tight end.
“The guy is amazing,” Tulsa’s tight end coach Matt Wells said. “Garrett never long snapped in his life and when we needed someone, he stepped right in and did it for three games. He did everything for us at Tulsa. Heck, he even returned punts in the Oklahoma game. No lie, a tight end returning punts. That’s the kind of kid he is. He’ll do anything to help his team win.”
The Patriots surprised a lot of people when they selected Garrett Mills in the fourth round of this year's draft. Some questioned why New England would take a tight end with back-to-back picks. However, looking closer at Mills, it's obvious he's much more than just a tight end.
“The guy is amazing,” Tulsa’s tight end coach Matt Wells said. “Garrett never long snapped in his life and when we needed someone, he stepped right in and did it for three games. He did everything for us at Tulsa. Heck, he even returned punts in the Oklahoma game. No lie, a tight end returning punts. That’s the kind of kid he is. He’ll do anything to help his team win.”
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